Written Answers Nos. 693-717
693. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education the number of persons waiting for a laptop, tablet or other specialist software under the assistive technology grant; how this figure compares with previous waiting lists in 2020, 2021 and 2022; if priority will be given to students sitting State examinations in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13099/23]
View answerThe Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.
Last April, my Department announced the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and associated grant funding for all recognised primary and post-primary schools for digital technology infrastructure.This strategy will advance the embedding of digital technologies across teaching, learning and assessment, building on the work under previous strategies. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully.
As part of this strategy an ICT Grant will be provided to schools, with €200 million committed over the period of the Strategy, €50m of which has already been provided to schools. This approach facilitates multi-annual planning by schools to allow them to plan effectively for all of their children.
Under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme, however. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum.
It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
As applications are generally processed on a current basis by my Department as they are received from the SENO in the NCSE, , including applications from students sitting State examinations. Accordingly, my Department does not hold an Assistive Technology waiting list and also schools may purchase assistive technology directly.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is currently being reviewed by my Department to ensure that it is still working for these children and that the resources are allocated appropriately and support other Department ICT funding as efficiently as possible. The review in ongoing and is expected to complete by mid-2023.
694. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education if she will summarise in detail the number of new school build projects in County Tipperary that have been put on hold by her Department; the reason some large school building projects are currently on hold; when these projects will be back on track; the way these schools were chosen; and the criteria why these were chosen over others. [13106/23]
View answerMy Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohoe on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools, including any schools impacted in County Tipperary, when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
695. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the reason a new build fora school (details supplied) has been put on hold, given that this project was at a stage where works were expected to commence on site in May 2023. [13107/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was granted approval under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the following provision:
5 x General Classrooms,
1 x Science lab (replacement of temporary unit)
7 x General Classrooms,
2 Classroom SEN base,
1 x SET room,
2 x Science lab,
2 x Science Prep area,
1x Music room,
1x Art room,
1x DCG (Design and Communication Graphics) room,
1x Textiles room,
1x Woodwork room,
1x Tech Prep room,
2 x Project storage and
Ancillary accommodation.
The project has been devolved to Tipperary ETB for delivery. A Stage 1 Report was submitted in August 2022 and was reviewed by my Department's Professional and Technical Team. Subsequently in February 2023 the school was granted approval to proceed to Stage 2a.It is currently the responsibility of the ETB, the school authority and the appointed Design Team to progress the project in this regard. At this early stage in the architectural planning process, it is not possible to provide an expected date for completion of the building.
696. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the number of Ukrainian children that are enrolled in schools in County Wicklow, broken down between primary and secondary schools; the name of each school and the number in each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13113/23]
View answerDue to the risk of disclosing information on individuals, school-level data on the enrolment of Ukrainian pupils in schools in Co. Wicklow cannot be provided.
As per the recent Department of Education press release, as of 1st March 2023 there were 305 pupils enrolled in primary schools and 177 in post-primary schools in County Wicklow.
The full press release is available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/618ca-department-of-education-confirms-14931-ukrainian-pupils-currently-enrolled-in-irish-schools/.
697. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the reason plans to develop 58 new schools have been put on hold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13116/23]
View answer698. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the details on each of the 58 new schools that were to be developed and that have been put on hold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13117/23]
View answer699. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the length of time it is expected that the development of 58 new schools will be on hold for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13118/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 697, 698 and 699 together.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohoe on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
700. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education when details of the home-based, summer education programme for 2023 will be published by her Department. [13136/23]
View answerMy Department announced the 2023 Summer Programme on the 9th February 2023. This follows the previous announcement on 17th October 2022 that additional funding was secured in Budget 2023 to run the programme to match the investment in 2021 and 2022, bringing the total funding available to €40m. The terms for the 2023 programme are being implemented following a comprehensive review and engagement with education partners and stakeholders since last summer, including the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism.Once again, all schools will have an opportunity to run a programme for those children that need it the most. This year’s programme will build on the progress that has been made over the last number of years, which has seen participation of children grow from 13,000 in 2019 to over 42,000 in 2022.The central theme for this year’s programme is, ‘Building Confidence and Connections’. The primary aim of this theme is to help our children and young people to realise their potential, to be resilient in dealing with the normal stresses of their lives, to take care of their physical wellbeing and to have a sense of purpose, connection and belonging to their school community.The main priority in 2023 is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme. The preferred approach is that children are provided the Summer Programme in school settings where children may have access to fully qualified teachers, adapted fun based activity programmes, special needs assistants and interaction with student peers. The school-based programmes provide a more holistic experience for students and help retain the important connection with school and peers.
However, my Department recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme. Where their school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable, a home-based programme will be available once again for children with complex special educational needs. The details of the home-based programme will be announced in April on gov.ie/summer programme and published under the following link Home-based programme.
701. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if he will consider introducing a timebound appeals process for schools appealing to the NCSE, in order that they might have a prospective date by which they will receive a response. [13148/23]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is a statutory body whose functions include planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. Schools should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.
All schools have an allocation of teaching support for pupils with special educational needs. The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation allows schools to provide additional teaching support for all pupils who require such support in their schools and for schools to deploy resources based on each pupil’s individual learning needs.
A process is available where schools can seek a review of their SET allocation by the NCSE, including the utilisation of their allocations. Detailed information on the NCSE review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/special-education-teachers.
The SNA scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The school can also apply to the NCSE for a review of its SNA allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students. Detailed information on the NCSE Exceptional Review process is published on the NCSE website. ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.
The NCSE manages the review process and handles each case individually. Some review requests can be concluded as an office based exercise, whilst others require a school to be visited in order to observe the current deployment of SNA support in the school setting.
The timeframe for concluding a review can vary depending on the school context or the nature of the information provided.
The Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.
As the matter raised relates to internal NCSE processes we have forwarded the PQ for direct response to the deputy by the NCSE.
702. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education when each primary school will be advised of the amount they have been allocated under the new free book scheme; and when each school can expect to receive payment. [13159/23]
View answerThank you for your query to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD in relation to the free schoolbooks scheme for primary schools.
Budget 2023 provided additional funding to provide free schoolbooks to primary school pupils enrolled in recognised primary schools, including special schools, from September 2023. The measure will eliminate the cost to families for all school books, including workbooks and where possible some related classroom resources, in recognised primary schools and special schools.
The Department commenced engagement with relevant stakeholders as to how the scheme will operate at the end of 2022. It is recognised that work on this scheme will need to commence in schools after the Easter break.
Detailed guidance on the measure is being finalised as part of the engagement process with schools, management bodies and other stakeholders. The scheme will seek to ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for pupils.
It is important to note that schools will continue to have autonomy to choose books that meet curricular requirements.
It is planned that funds will be provided directly to schools to purchase school books and related classroom resources. Schools buy books directly from school book suppliers at present as part of the implementation of school book rental schemes which already exist in many schools.
703. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if he will consider introducing an annual schedule of grants and their pay-outs in order to provide schools with more clarity in an often-confusing process that is, the bus escort grant being paid in July, despite schools paying for buses for months in advance of this date. [13162/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
There is a facility within the Special Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Bus Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such to require the support of an escort. The appointment of the Bus Escort, where required, is sanctioned by the Department of Education and Skills. The school management authority employs the Bus Escort and the terms and conditions of employment are a matter for the school authority as the employer.
The Department of Education provide funding in advance of the school year to the school’s Management Authority for the employment of a school bus escort.
704. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the reason a child (details supplied) in County Mayo is being refused school transport in view of the fact that there is no school transport service to this child's nearest school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13176/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Bus Eireann have confirmed that the pupil to whom the Deputy refers, is not attending his nearest school and is not eligible for school transport. An application for school transport was made on 8th March 2023 for the 2023/2024 school year.
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest primary school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
705. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the plans for the future accommodation needs of a school (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the serious concerns of the school community in respect of the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13181/23]
View answer756. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 8 March 2023, if this project has gone to tender; if not, if there has been a hold-up in this process; if so, the specific reasons for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13561/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 705 and 756 together.
The permanent school building project for the site referred to by the Deputy is a campus project to deliver a 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The campus project is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision.
High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
We are currently at a very advanced stage with these discussions. Progress has been made and I am anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. I am well aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for me. I have engaged directly with Minister Donohoe on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
We will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school’s patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
706. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 8 March 2023, if she will provide additional information (details supplied) pertaining to the cost of the project to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13185/23]
View answerThe project for school mentioned by the Deputy is in early architectural planning which involves site surveys, school design stages and the preparation of statutory applications.
It is anticipated that the planning application for the permanent school referred to by the Deputy will be lodged in Q2 2023.
My Department must then await a decision on planning from the local authority. A notification to grant planning can be received after 8 weeks, although there is an opening for the Local Authority to request further information (RFI). There is always also the possibility of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála (ABP).
As with any school building project progressing to tender, this can only occur once planning has been secured. Tender processes are currently taking approximately 8 to 10 months. Details of the current estimated cost for construction of the permanent school would be commercially sensitive prior to a tender exercise and award of a contract.
My Department can confirm that a contribution of €40,000 was paid to the local authority in relation to footpaths in May 2021.
707. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will identify the ten projects in Lot 6 of her Department's Design and Build Programme, whereby construction works which were due to commence in 2023 have been delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13187/23]
View answerI will issue a response directly to the Deputy on this matter.
708. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education the status of the new building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13190/23]
View answerThe project referred to by the deputy has been devolved for delivery to Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB).The brief for this project is extremely complex. This resulted in a more difficult than usual and protracted process of preparation of tender documentation. The original brief provided for a 27 classroom brief on a difficult site and it failed to attract a tender from an architect during the procurement of the Design Team (DT).
In an effort to resolve these issues and find a suitable solution, the Department along with DDLETB are engaged in the process of agreeing an appropriate accommodation scope which will meet the current and future needs of the school, as well as being deliverable on the current school site. Department officials met the ETB onsite in recent months, arising from which the ETB was to undertake a site survey to include levels, due to the size of the potential extension.
The Design Team was requested to explore all possibilities for providing the required additional accommodation on site while also maximising the available play space available. Currently, a submission in this regard is under review in the Department.
In the context of statutory planning and procurement processes, it is not possible to give a timeframe for the delivery of the permanent accommodation at this time. However, the Department is working with DDLETB to ensure that any essential interim accommodation is put in place as required.
709. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education when construction will commence at a school (details supplied); how long will it take; if she will provide a list of the facilities classes; the student and staff capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13191/23]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning – Stage 2b Detailed Design, where the design team make their applications for all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents. The Design Team are currently completing the Stage 2(b) submission.
Upon receipt and review of the stage 2(b) submission by my Department, the school authorities and their design team will then be advised as to the further progression of the project.
The major project will deliver new 16 classroom school accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, on a greenfield site at Loughshinny, Co Dublin. The final grant of planning permission for the development was received on 01st November 2022.
My 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.
My 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 tender and construction in 2023 and minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.
710. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on any proposed works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13192/23]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning – Stage 3 tender action and award.
The Design Team was authorised to proceed to tender in June 2022. The closing date for tenders has now passed and the Design Team are currently preparing the Tender report which will be forwarded to my Department in due course, on receipt this report will be assessed by my Department’s technical team.
My 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.
We are 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 tender and construction in 2023 and minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.
711. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on any proposed works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13193/23]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery under the patronage of CEIST.
Approval has been given under the Department’s Major Capital Programme for a project to proceed to delivery as part of Project Ireland 2040. The brief for this project is to provide a 16 classroom Primary School with 1 SEN Base, GP room, Library and other ancillary accommodation for the school in question. This campus project also includes the delivery of a 1,000 pupil Post Primary School including a 4 class SEN Base, 37 classrooms, Specialist rooms, a Library, a PE Hall and other ancillary accommodation.
The Service Level Agreement (SLA) between CEIST and the Department has been executed. Procurement of a design team for the project has been finalised and the design team has been appointed. The project is currently at Stage 2a.
It is now a matter for CEIST to progress this project accordingly. The Design Team will now design the building, obtain the necessary statutory planning permission and move the project onward to construction in due course. As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for its completion.
712. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on any proposed works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13194/23]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery under the patronage of CEIST.
Approval has been given under the Department’s Major Capital Programme for a project to proceed to delivery as part of Project Ireland 2040. The brief for this project is to provide a 1,000 pupil Post Primary School including a 4 class SEN Base, 37 classrooms, Specialist rooms, a Library a PE Hall and other ancillary accommodation for the school in question. The brief also includes the delivery of a 16 classroom Primary School with 1 SEN Base, GP room, Library and other ancillary accommodation.
The Service Level Agreement (SLA) between CEIST and the Department has been executed. Procurement of a design team for the project has been finalised and the design team has been appointed. The project is currently at Stage 2a.
It is now a matter for CEIST to progress this project accordingly. The Design Team will now design the building, obtain the necessary statutory planning permission and move the project onward to construction in due course. As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for its completion.
713. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on any proposed works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13195/23]
View answerA large scale capital project to provide accommodation for 1000 pupils for the school referred to by the Deputy reached substantial completion in 2021.
714. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on any proposed works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13196/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware responsibility for delivering a major project for the school in question has been devolved to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB). The Department of Education originally approved the construction of a standalone extension of just over 4,000m2 in area to include a 2-classroom Special Education needs base. Some works to the existing building were also included in this approval. A number of significant issues have unfortunately arisen, including delays in obtaining statutory consents from the local authority and delays to the finalisation of the detailed design process for the project as it was originally approved. The project was brought to Stage 2B. However, at that point it was agreed between DDLETB and the Department to proceed with an alternative proposal for the progression of the project as set out by DDLETB. This alternative involves the demolition and replacement of the existing building but also allows the provision of accommodation for another school on the site. Based on a report provided by DDLETB, it was agreed following meetings between the Department and DDLETB that the project should be redesigned on that basis. The Department is now in a position to instruct DDLETB’s design team to develop a masterplan for the school in question and a second 1,000 pupil post primary school on the same site. The masterplan can develop the initial project in line with the DDLETB proposals previously advised in that respect, and provide a footprint for a second school based on a standard 1,000 pupil Schedule of Accommodation. Following receipt of the masterplan, a decision on the optimum way forward will be taken as quickly as possible, subject to all relevant information being available. The Department will continue to engage with the patron in respect of the project, including in respect of the proposed delivery method. If the masterplan demonstrates that this proposal is feasible, it is then anticipated that the project will progress on that basis. DDLETB can then be expected to proceed with the appointment of a Design Team to progress the redesign of the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions and move the project onward to construction in due course. As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for completion.Pending completion of the main building project, the Department has approved the provision of a Home Economics Room, an Art Room, and a Toilet Block through the Department’s Framework of Modular Accommodation Providers. The school has put contingency arrangements in place to make best use of existing accommodation until the modular accommodation is ready to be occupied.
715. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to proceed with the construction of the new building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13197/23]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning – Stage 2b Detailed Design, where the design team make their applications for all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents. The Design Team are currently completing the Stage 2(b) submission.
Upon receipt and review of the stage 2(b) submission by my Department, the school authorities and their design team will then be advised as to the further progression of the project.
The major project will deliver a new replacement 21 classroom school plus 2 classes and accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, at the existing school site. The final grant of planning permission for the development was received on 18th October 2022.
My 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.
My 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 tender and construction in 2023 and minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.
716. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the new build at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13198/23]
View answerThe building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 4, in construction. Works commenced on site in January 2022 and are scheduled for completion in Quarter 3 of 2023.
717. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide assurances that new building works for a school (details supplied) will proceed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13201/23]
View answerMy 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.
We are 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 tender and construction in 2023 and minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.
This includes the major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy, due to proceed to tender.
Prior to the major project being progressed to tender, an enabling works is required to underground ESB cables at the site for the new school. These works are to be carried out in the near future, in conjunction with ESBN Ireland and the Local Authority.
I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing.
The Department will update the School Authorities when there is further clarity on the progression of the major project.
