Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for an extension and associated building works by a school (details supplied) to the school capitals appraisal section, planning and building unit; if his attention has been drawn to the need for an efficient decision to be returned in order that the school can apply for planning permission in advance of the next academic year when it will facilitate an extra class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10545/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question submitted an application for major capital funding to undertake significant works to the school building including the provision of an additional classroom to accommodate an additional teaching post.

My Department's current priority is the provision of essential classroom accommodation where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned and where there is no suitable accommodation available within the existing school. In this regard, my Department approved a devolved grant to the school for the construction of an additional mainstream classroom and to replace an existing prefab.

The school subsequently applied for further capital grant to construct a General Purpose Room. As my Department's current priority is the provision of essential classroom accommodation, it is not possible to consider the school's request at this time. I can confirm that the school has been advised accordingly.

The Deputy will be aware that under the National Development Plan (NDP), increased funding has been provided for the school sector capital investment programme.  This funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings.