Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grants available and the criteria to qualify for such grants to primary schools for the development of classrooms, multi-purpose rooms and indoor sports and recreation facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4101/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Department's Capital Programme continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process.

The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. In this regard, it is open to schools to submit an application to my Department for additional classroom accommodation should the school’s existing accommodation not be capable of hosting additional classes. An application form is available on my Department's website.

The recent launch of Project Ireland 2040 included an announcement of a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70%. The National Development Plan 2018-2027 signals a gradual ramping up in capital expenditure in the schools sector over the coming years. It is intended that this will address the twin priorities of catering for demographic need while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing school stock to include the building and modernisation of PE facilities in post-primary schools.

In addition, in terms of other Government bodies, it is open to any school to explore any funding options that may be available under the Sports Capital Programme administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.