Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 23 May 2024, if the rental accommodation which has been sourced has ‘the connection of the necessary utilities” in place; when her Department plans to have a permanent resolution for the schools; and the reason it has taken this long to start construction given her Department’s awareness of the issues caused to both schools by the lack of space (details supplied). [27660/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that rental accommodation had been approved by my Department for the school in question. The rental company are due to connect the necessary utilities and carry out final checks before the accommodation can be used by the school. The school authorities are working with the accommodation provider on these matters and my officials have been informed that this is taking place imminently. This accommodation will then be available for the 24/25 school year.

Furthermore, officials from my Department's Professional and Technical Section have visited the school in question and the school which they are currently sharing accommodation with, in order to consider a solution that can be put in place for the needs of both schools. The Department hopes to resolve this matter for the benefit of both schools as soon as possible and will remain in contact with the school authorities of both schools in relation to this matter.

I can assure the Deputy that the consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.

The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department and 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.