Written answers

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects Status

Photo of Aindrias MoynihanAindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the school redevelopment project at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53487/18]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a building project for the school in question is included in my Department’s Construction Programme.

My Department is currently liaising with the Patron of the school in the context of additional information that the Department requires to progress the proposed project.

When this information has been received and considered, my Department will be in further contact with the school relating to the next steps to be taken to further progress the project.

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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213. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on a new primary school in Ashbourne, County Meath. [53526/18]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement followed nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review and in particular would have regard for the increased rollout of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

In line with the ongoing review of school planning areas generally, I can confirm that my Department is currently reviewing the position in relation to primary provision for the Ashbourne school planning area. This review is now well advanced and nearing completion. The outcome of the review will be finalised and made available as soon as possible.

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