Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.

The purpose of the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has broadened its delivery streams and is utilising Modern Methods of Construction, including Modular Accommodation, as well as traditional construction delivery methods. Modular accommodation has particular advantages in terms of overall timelines and also climate impact in that they generally use decarbonised heating sources.

In overall terms, it is important to have a range of delivery mechanisms for delivering school accommodation to support the current very strong and ambitious roll out of school building projects. This is particular relevant given the overall challenging construction sector market. A number of factors are considered by my Department in determining the most appropriate construction method to meet a school’s accommodation requirements, including the timing and duration of that accommodation need, and other school-specific factors.

In support of the expedited delivery of critical school accommodation my Department has put in place a Modular Accommodation Framework. In addition, my Department has put new project manager support in place to assist schools with the delivery of this critical modular accommodation. All of these supports help ensure that the administrative burden for schools on procuring and delivering modular accommodation solutions is significantly eased.

The Modular Accommodation Framework solution:

• has significant benefits in terms of delivery timelines;
• minimises the impact of the project on the operation of the school;
• provides quality and sustainable accommodation that meets building regulation requirements and is Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) compliant; and
• facilitates climate proofing of the accommodation, given that the modular accommodation has the added benefit of utilising decarbonised heating sources which should also help with the school’s energy profile and costs.

My officials are continuing to assess the requirement for additional permanent accommodation for the above named school and in consideration to the educational requirements of the area more broadly. Engagement between the school authorities and my department are continuing in this regard.