Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
561. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of issues surrounding the progress of a school building project in Drogheda (details supplied); the status of the project; the timeline for delivery of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my department is in receipt of an application for capital funding under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme 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 available accommodation at other schools in the area.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school was approved 4 Special education classrooms and ancillary accommodation in 2022 under the department's ASA Scheme. This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery. In 2023 the school requested the scope of the proposed works at the school be expanded. In light of the request for additional accommodation beyond the four Special education classrooms originally approved, it was agreed and the school was informed in October last year that consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) would be necessary. The school was advised to contact their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) in order to ensure their views would be considered in the consultation process. Consultation with the NCSE is ongoing.
The NCSE has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
Over the last two years, my department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year.
My department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements. As soon as a decision is reached in relation to the request for an increase in brief the school authority will be contacted directly.
