Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
486. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the modular units currently in use at a school (details supplied) were approved as temporary or permanent accommodation; when they were installed; whether they are considered by her Department to represent a long-term resolution of the school’s accommodation needs; and if she will provide clarification in writing to the school. [3433/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that in 2022 the school in question submitted an application for additional school accommodation under the department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme.
The purpose of the department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
On foot of this application modular accommodation comprising two Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms, and one Special Education Tuition (SET) classroom was delivered in April 2024 and is currently in place and operational.
Modular accommodation provides a high-quality, modern learning environment that is both functional and adaptable. It offers a well-designed, comfortable space that effectively meets the school’s current needs while allowing flexibility for future requirements.
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 line with a national decline in primary demographics, the enrolment at this school has decreased from 151 in 2023 to 139 in 2024. At a national level, primary enrolments are projected to decline by circa 100,000 over a ten-year period.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level and for special education needs provision. The Deputy will appreciate that this is the immediate priority of my department.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published by my department shortly. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus 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.
My department's Planning and Building Unit had recent engagement with the school and will look into the issues raised by the school and will continue to work with the school to ensure that current and future school place needs are addressed. There will be further contact with the school principal shortly.
