Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
448. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the additional accommodation project application lodged by a school (details supplied); the timeline for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73472/25]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question initially submitted an application under the department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA) in 2018. An assessment deemed that the site was restricted and that additional lands were required to deliver this accommodation, and this application was withdrawn by the school authority.
A request to purchase additional lands was submitted by the school in 2021 and the acquisition of a 2.765 acres site adjacent to the school was completed at the end of May 2025.
In late 2024 the school in question submitted a revised ASA application for additional accommodation to meet their future needs.
The Department's approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. A strong focus will be on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs. The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department.
A decision will be made in relation to the school's application for additional accommodation shortly in the context of overall programme management. This decision will take account of overall school place needs, including for children with special education needs, and in cognisance of demographic projections, capacity across schools in the area, and the extent to which schools are prioritising local school place needs.
