Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:172. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education for an update on an extension to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43673/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 24 October 2024
Ceisteanna (172)
Freagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that an Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) application was received from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease. Therefore the Department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements.
The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is therefore carefully analysing the medium to longer-term requirements for additional accommodation taking account of enrolment projections and the need to make optimum use of existing capacity in schools in the area.
Our main focus is on the most critical needs for the next school year. In the context of making most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, we are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised. We are looking at how each individual school’s accommodation can be best utilised and at capacity across schools in each school planning area.
I can confirm that an official from the department made contact with the school during the summer months in relation to providing additional supporting documentation. This documentation was subsequently received, and the official sought further clarification from the school in relation to their application. The clarification was received from the school and this is now being considered as part of the assessment process.
I can assure the Deputy that we are working to get a decision communicated to the school as soon as possible.