Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has had its application for additional accommodation declined; if he is satisfied with the reasons provided for the refusal; the way in which the conclusion was reached regarding future enrolment trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17333/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the school referred to applied to my Department in February seeking additional accommodation in respect of the appointment of an additional mainstream teacher.

Based on the projected enrolments in the area concerned and the anticipated future enrolment trends, it is envisaged that enrolments in the school planning area have peaked and are expected to decline in the short term. In that context, my Department considers that the additional post may not be retained.

My Department is satisfied that the schools currently serving the school planning area in question can, between them, cater for the demand for school places. 

In light of the above my Department is not in a position at this time to provide funding to the school in question for additional permanent accommodation.