Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
76. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of an application under the additional accommodation scheme, submitted in May 2025 by a school (details supplied) for the fit-out of a second ASD classroom; the reasons for the delay in issuing confirmation of the grant approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6888/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my department's Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for additional school accommodation.
The purpose of the 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 or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
As the Deputy is aware, the school referred to, initially applied under the SEN Repurposing Scheme and received substantial funding to complete the required works. The school has now provided quotations for further proposed works to include for a special class which opened in 2023. The scope of works is currently under review.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector 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.
It is within this context that the application from the school, to which the Deputy refers is being considered. The school authority will be contacted directly as soon as a decision is made.
