Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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367. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline of correspondence, communications and events since a commitment was given by her Department in 2021 to provide a school (details supplied) with a permanent extension by 2024 and facilitate its growth to a 1,500 student post-primary school, including any decisions taken by either her Department or the patron, DDLETB, to change that commitment between 2021 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55389/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department and DDLETB agreed in early 2021 to increase the capacity of the school in question to 1,500 places. There was no timeframe determined for this increase but it was expected that there would be a gradual increase in enrolments over a number of years.

In order to facilitate an initial increase in enrolments, modular accommodation was provided at the school in 2022. As a result of continued engagement between my Department and DDLETB it has been agreed to provide further modular accommodation at the school for the 2024/25 school year and a subsequent traditional construction project to deliver the remaining accommodation.

My Department continues to work closely with DDLETB to advance both of these projects as quickly as possible.

School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. There are also 200 modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider school planning area for future years.