Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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346. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to the proposed development plan for a school (details supplied); if his officials have met with the school to discuss advancing the development plans in view of the significant population increase in the general area; if there are additional accommodation or emergency works applications with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1069/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department approved grant to the school in question for additional accommodation. The school subsequently sought additional funding to complete the project and this was approved recently. The school has been advised accordingly.

In addition, my Department approved grant to the school for works under the Emergency Works Scheme. The project has been devolved to the Board of Management for delivery and my Department has now given approval to the school to commence the works in question.

The Deputy will be aware that in April 2018 my Department announced plans to establish 42 new schools over the next 4 years. The area where this school is located was one of the areas identified to establish a new post primary school in 2019. This new school will provide additional school capacity to meet demographic need in the area.