Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
498. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update on the planning process for a school (details supplied); when planning permission will be submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36969/23]
View answerThe project for the school to which the Deputy refers is devolved for delivery to Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB). The project is to provide an extension to the existing school, the demolition of a section of the building and the refurbishment of some of the existing buildings.
In April 2023, my Department approved a submission from the school authority to increase the original brief in the context of a significant increase in projected new enrolments in the area. This allowed for a project to cater for a 1,000 pupil school plus 6 special education needs classes. The school's design team will therefore submit revised plans to incorporate the increase in advance of the school authority seeking the necessary planning approval. My Department is engaged with the school authority and expects to receive the new design submission shortly.
At this stage it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for the project. KWETB will be engaging directly with the school community to keep it informed of progress.
