Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Questions (497)

James O'Connor

Question:

497. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update in relation to the intended works for the previously approved additional school accommodation application of a school (details supplied); if her Department will update the school as to the timeline for these works in the context of the addition of an ASD unit to the project, given that she advised in June that the additional request for accommodation for special educational needs be added to the previously approved brief was already under consideration by her officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47947/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The school to which the Deputy refers was granted funding under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) for the provision of 4 mainstream classrooms and 2 SET rooms.

During the initial design stage, the school requested my Department consider a 2 storey design solution with additional SEN and a lift which was not approved and the project progressed as a single storey extension as per the approved brief. This scope of works has also been approved planning.

In Q3 2023, my Department’s School Capital Appraisal Section have assessed the requested additional scope however this was not approved to progress and my Department has communicated with the school authorities in regards to same.

It is now a matter for the school to advance this project to the next stage. My Department will continue to liaise with the school in order to see the successful completion of this project.