Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
453. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if he will provide an update on when a school (details supplied) will receive a permanent school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51576/22]
View answerThe permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy has been assigned to my Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
The school and its patron body were advised by my Department in August 2021 that it would not be possible to proceed at that time with the proposed planning application for the school as South Dublin County Council had advised my Department of its intention to undertake a masterplan of the Rathcoole area, including the proposed school site.
The Council has concluded the masterplanning exercise and following consultation with the Council, my Department intends to proceed with a planning application for the school on the existing Department-owned site.
A further pre-planning meeting with the Council was held on 30th June 2022 and the discussions from this meeting will now inform the progression of the design and the preparation of the planning application for the school on its permanent site.
In the interim, my Department will continue to liaise with the school and their patron body in relation to the school’s accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation.
