Robert Troy
Question:320. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite an application for a school extension (details supplied). [42522/23]
View answerTuesday, 3 October 2023
Questions (320)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, my Department approved funding for the school referred to under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme. This approval was for the provision of 8 general classrooms, a special education teaching room, a science laboratory and preparation area, a DCG room, a music room, a textile room, 2 special education needs classrooms, a general purpose dining area, and a construction room and preparation area. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery and it has appointed a design team to oversee this.
My Department is currently finalising its technical review of the submission of further information from the school authority regarding its Stage 1 (initial design) report. Once the review is complete, the Department will engage with the school authority directly on how best to progress the project to the next stage of the architectural process.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that additional approval was also provided by my Department for the provision of two special education needs classrooms under the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school authority in respect of both of these projects.