Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
69. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an application for additional school accommodation by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52953/26]
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 application relates to the provision of additional accommodation for a Special education classroom and a Special education tuition room.
My officials have been in touch with the school authorities in relation to the option of progressing a modular project to replace the current rental which is in use by the school and is too small in size to accommodate a special education class. I can confirm that my officials are actively engaging with the patron of the school to assess options for both the immediate and longer-term requirements and this will be worked through as soon as possible. My officials remain available to provide any support and assistance required in relation to this matter.
The deputy may be aware that my department has established a Modular Framework of suppliers with new design guidance which provides high-quality school accommodation and increased sustainability to improve the energy performance of school accommodation, resulting in improved comfort, lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. Framework suppliers use factory-controlled precision through digitalisation and strict quality control processes to create consistent quality construction. This new modular framework with new design guidance requires the building system to have a design life of 60 years. The factory precision of MMC contributes to the ability of this form of construction to deliver consistently robust buildings which are easy to manage and maintain, providing high-quality learning spaces for the students of today and the future.
I can assure the Deputy that my officials will continue to engage with the school authorities to progress accommodation at the school in question under my department’s Modular Framework.
