Robert Troy
Question:74. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on Project Nore, in particular in relation to schools (details supplied). [13923/23]
View answerThursday, 23 March 2023
Questions (74)
Written answers
The school accommodation ‘Project Nore' bundle is comprised of seven school projects which is devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). The two schools referred to by the Deputy have been approved major building projects by my Department and are included in the ‘Project Nore’ bundle. The briefs for the two respective schools comprise are for a new eight classroom special school and a large scale extension and refurbishment to cater for 1,000 mainstream pupils with special class provision included.
The "Project Nore" bundle is currently at Stage 3 which is the tender process. Tenders have been received and are being evaluated as part of the Tender Assessment Report.
I am very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget.
My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. 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. I am very appreciative of the support and engagement which has been offered by the Department and Minister Donohoe in this regard.
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.
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. 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.
I want to reassure the Deputy of my commitment to getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible.