Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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685. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the expenditure on new school buildings and refurbishment of existing buildings since 27 June 2020, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1949/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 690 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects. School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have over 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.

The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:

•demographic change, including keeping pace with delivery of SEN and accommodation for Ukrainian pupils particularly at Post Primary level,

•alignment with housing provision and national planning at school planning area level,

•climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.

Key priorities for my Department are supporting the operation of the school system and adding necessary capacity to cater for special education needs provision, mainstream demographics and catering for students from Ukraine and other countries under the International Protection system.

The table below shows the total capital expenditure under the School Building Programme for each county since the formation of the Government.