Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
720. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) is one of the school building projects delayed due to funding constraints; her plans to address this to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13245/23]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the deputy has been devolved for delivery to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). The project is currently at Stage 3 of the delivery process. The Department recently received the Tender Assessment Report for consideration before issuing approval to Stage 4 Construction.
The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of overall requirements and available funding. Our most immediate priorities are to cater for September 2023 requirements.The Department's Planning and Building Unit is also currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. The Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, the Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Key priorities for the Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the College 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. This school is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
While at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for approval to construction, the Department and LMETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this regard.
