Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
351. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of an additional accommodation scheme application lodged by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11289/26]
View answerA large scale extension and refurbishment to the existing building was recently completed for the school referred to by the Deputy to cater for its long term projected enrolment. I can confirm that my department is currently reviewing additional requirements identified by the school and will engage directly with the school authority on how best to address its requirements in respect of special education provision.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment, it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects. The accommodation needs at the school in question will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
