Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
505. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the budget for modular buildings; if there is a set amount per year; the way it is decided and allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7792/26]
View answer560. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth following the publication of the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for 2026-2030, to provide a breakdown and location of the 25 projects prioritised under the Modular Accommodation Programme to meet urgent additional capacity requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8382/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 560 together.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,400 school building projects. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
The focus on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) reflects the Government’s broader commitment to developing modern, sustainable infrastructure. MMC enhances the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of school accommodation delivery.
The Modular Accommodation Framework is a key part of the Department’s strategy for the provision of good quality functional accommodation to meet the permanent accommodation requirements for prioritised individual schools.
Offsite construction minimises disruption in live school environments, while factory precision and strict quality control deliver robust, low-maintenance buildings. Today’s modular buildings represent a major advancement from earlier prefabricated forms and, since December 2018, all new builds — including modular — must meet the Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard, ensuring high energy efficiency and sustainability.
Prior to considering modular accommodation for a school, the Department must first be satisfied about the urgency of the requirement for additional capacity and that existing accommodation at the individual school and in the local area are being maximised.
The provision of modular accommodation is funded through my Departments capital allocation. This Accommodation has the potential to reduce, replace or add to the scope of projects which have been identified as necessary for schools with immediate and future accommodation needs.
As part of NDP rollout, it is envisaged that there will be continued strong rollout of the Modular Accommodation Programme to meet additional permanent accommodation requirements that are deemed urgent and necessary by the Department and that cannot be met from within existing school capacity. The initial tranche of modular projects progressing to site in 2026 include 25 projects. Many of these prioritised projects relate to special education provision and it is envisaged that further modular projects will also be progressed to site in 2026 as engagement with relevant patrons and schools conclude.
The schools included in the initial tranche of modular projects progressing to site in 2026 can be viewed on www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-building-and-design/[]
