Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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816. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the provision of a new primary school in Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2240/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment.  Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools.  The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025.

There are currently in excess of 300 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage.

It is envisaged that the Department will deliver between 150-200 school building projects per annum between 2022-2025 period.

Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

However, I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department approved two projects for Newtown NS, Kildare. The first project for 2 x 15m² (1 prefab replacement) and 4 x 80m² has been completed. The second approval for a 2 Class SEN Base is nearing completion of the build.