Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
657. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education to present an update on the plans for the future accommodation needs of (details supplied); if she will appreciate the serious concerns of the school community in respect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16767/23]
View answerOn 5th April 2023, my Department advised that agreement has been reached to facilitate the progression of the school building programme.
I want to assure you that our team are working extremely hard to ensure that schools are built as quickly as possible so that children and young people have access to a physical environment where they can receive a high standard of education and feel safe, valued and nurtured. My Department has a strong track record of delivery with over 180 projects delivered last year notwithstanding the high levels of construction inflation. There are circa. 300 school building projects currently at construction which includes 40 new school buildings and 260 projects at existing schools.
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 and is expected to proceed to tender imminently.
My Department will continue to liaise with the individual schools and their Patron Body in relation to the interim accommodation needs pending delivery of their permanent accommodation.
