Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

411. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is in discussion with the management of a school (details supplied) regarding the need for a new building programme at the school; her views on whether this matter now requires immediate attention; if she will provide assurances in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40102/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware a building project for the school in question is not included on my Department's capital programme. However, my Department has been in communication with the school in question and the school authority have been advised that it is open to them to apply under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, should they require essential classroom accommodation and under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to address any immediate issues. An application for roof works has been received under the EWS scheme and the school authority have been requested to submit a scaled down scope of works as the level of funding currently sought is outside the scope of the scheme.

In the National Development Plan (2018-2027) €2.5bn is currently identified for the refurbishment and construction of schools. Part of this is intended for a deep energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008 which is due to commence in 2022 as outlined in Project Ireland 2040. The school in question will be considered for upgrade as part of this programme.

Currently my Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve 372 large-scale projects and circa. 800 projects for delivery under the Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme.

While good progress continues to be made with the roll out of projects, the enhanced funding levels envisaged under the National Development Plan period will be key to ensuring the successful delivery of the remaining elements of the pipeline of projects during the NDP period 2018 to 2027.