Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
363. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the full year cost in 2024 and 2025 of capital spending to build and renovate schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51314/26]
View answerSince 2020, my Department has invested over €6.9 billion in our schools under the National Development Plan (NDP). This has enabled the completion of more than 1,400 school building projects nationwide, along with over 4,000 small-scale improvement works to address priority maintenance needs and support energy-efficiency and climate objectives. Repurposing and optimising existing accommodation across the school estate continues to play a central role in meeting the needs of students with special educational needs. Approximately 80% of new special classes opening in 2025/26 will be facilitated through repurposed classroom accommodation, ensuring timely provision and supporting best practice in inclusion and integration. This sustained investment is delivering real and tangible benefits for school communities across the country. The Department’s NDP Implementation Plan is focused on maximising outputs from available allocations, with an emphasis on utilising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, provides value for money, and meets functional educational needs. The Department has invested capital funding of €1.33 billion in 2024 and €1.46 billion in 2025 on building, refurbishment and maintenance of schools.
