Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
497. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth the annual costs of renting the land and prefab classrooms for a school (details supplied) for each of the years 1998 to 2025 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28295/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTemporary accommodation in schools may be rented or purchased. The school referred to by the Deputy is being funded for the rental of modular units and land. Given the commercial sensitivities associated with the procurement of this rental accommodation, my department cannot release the cost information sought.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €159.47 million in capital funding for Clare schools. Over this period, a total of 30 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 7 school projects in Clare under construction. Another 2 schoolprojects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 9 schoolsare approved toundergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 48 special classes have been opened in Clare, of which 10 were sanctioned for September 2026.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector 2016-2030 involving €7.5 billion along with the first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
