Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
635. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide detail on the application for a modular classroom to accommodate a mainstream class at a school in County Clare (details supplied) for the start of the 2026/2027 school year; the way in which she proposes to support and advance this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30957/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that an application under the department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme was received from the school in question.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector 2016-2030 involving €7.5 billion along with the first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. 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.
The accommodation needs at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities. Any interim requirements will be considered by the department in the normal manner (e.g. Emergency Works Scheme).
This allows the department to keep a strong focus on the provision of additional capacity to cater for demographics, new housing developments and the rollout of additional special classes for children with additional needs. This approach reflects the department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
