343. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that a school (details supplied) is currently operating beyond its accommodation capacity, given that its special education teaching room is being used as a mainstream classroom, that SET teachers are being required to provide support in unsuitable spaces, and that enrolment numbers have had to be restricted due to lack of accommodation; when a decision will be made on the school's application for additional classroom accommodation; whether the project will be prioritised given the school's urgent needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47250/26]

The school has been approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for the provision of two mainstream classrooms. This project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.

The project is being advanced under the National Development Plan, and a Stage 2a (pre-planning) report is currently under review by the Department. It is not possible to give a precise timeline at this point; however, progression to the next stage will be considered following completion of this review, in accordance with the requirements of the NDP.

All projects under the NDP are progressed on a prioritised basis, having regard to demographic need, existing capacity and the availability of resources. The Department will revert to the school authorities once the current review is complete and will continue to engage with them in the interim.