Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
137. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the assessment process of an application for additional school accommodation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I have recently published the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. Two school projects in county Waterford were included in the 105 prioritised projects in the first tranche of projects to progress to tender or construction over the course of 2026 and 2027. This list of projects were prioritised from those projects in the department’s pipeline which were sufficiently advanced to enable them to go to tender or construction over the course of 2026 and 2027.
A department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools.
I can confirm that my department is in receipt of an Additional School Accommodation application from the school in question and the application is currently being considered in this context. Once a decision has been made the school authority will be contacted directly.
