Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023

Thursday, 30 March 2023

Questions (200)

Colm Burke

Question:

200. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm that the proposal to build a new primary school in Blarney (details supplied) can now proceed to the next stage, and that an application for planning permission can now be submitted, in view of the fact that the current school has its number of pupils capped at 306, which is inadequate due to the huge increase in population in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16007/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Site Suitability, Site Report & Initial Sketch Scheme Submission.

The Brief for the project is an extension/refurbishment to bring the current accommodation up to 12 classrooms on the current site of the girl’s school. In January 2021, the Brief was increased to include for an additional 3 classrooms and associated ancillary accommodation for pupils with Special Educational Needs.The Design Team have submitted a revised Stage 1 Addendum Report to incorporate the SEN Base and also Decarbonisation design options.

My Department are currently reviewing the report and if satisfactory, the School Authorities and its Design Team will be advised with regard to further progression of this project to Stage 2(a) - Developed Design, where the design is developed to a stage where the project can be fully cost-planned and can be prepared to lodge for Statutory Applications.