Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the school building programme is proceeding in line with expectations nationally and throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42100/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the current status of large-scale projects, including those in County Kildare, being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of the announcement earlier this year of plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019-2022), including 4 new schools to provide additional school capacity in County Kildare. This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country. The four year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

The Government remains committed to delivering on existing projects on the school building programme as soon as possible. I am satisfied that the €8.4 billion investment available under the National Development Plan (2018-2027) will enable us to modernise and transform our school infrastructure in the years ahead.