Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2016
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which favourable consideration and support will be given to the provision of extended facilities at a school (details supplied) which might double for indoor recreational purposes; the extent to which the project continues to be examined in the relevant section of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35495/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department's priority is to ensure that each child will have access to a physical school place. In October 2015, my Department advised the school in question that its application for a PE hall could not be grant-aided due to the need to prioritise the limited funding available for essential classroom accommodation to meet demographic demand.
Given the need to meet demographic growth, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, to meet future demand will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years. In this context, it is not possible to indicate at this point when a project for school referred to by the Deputy can be progressed.
