Thomas Byrne
Question:124. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the agreed new building for a school (details supplied). [9818/20]
View answerTuesday, 9 June 2020
Questions (124)
Written answers
The Major Building Project for the school referred to by the deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan. The project in question is at Stage 1 of architectural planning which entails preliminary design of site and location suitability and initial sketch scheme.
A review in 2019 of the demand for post primary provision in the area resulted in an increase in the schedule of accommodation to cater for up to 1300 pupils. The Department met with the school and the increase was accepted by the school. Agreement was also obtained from the school patron on a reservation of space on the school site for future educational development.
Initially, it had been anticipated that this project would be delivered in the form of an extension and refurbishment. However, through ongoing engagement with the school, its Board of Management and Trustees (CEIST), the option of a New Build is currently being explored by the Department.
The Design Team has been instructed to provide an initial sketch scheme for a 1300 pupil school, and submit to the Department for review.
Following this review my Department will then be in contact with the Board of Management of the school with regard to the progression of the project.