Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
234. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education for an update on progress and a timeline for the development of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50732/23]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The project is in early architectural planning which involves site surveys, school design stages and the preparation of statutory applications.
It is anticipated that the planning application for the permanent school will be lodged in Q4 2023. My Department must then await a decision on planning from the local authority. A notification to grant planning can be received after 8 weeks, although there is an opening for the Local Authority to request further information (RFI). There is always also the possibility of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála (ABP).
As with any school building project progressing to tender, this can only occur once planning has been secured. Tender processes are currently taking approximately 8 to 12 months.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and its patron body in relation to the progress of the project and the school's interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent school.
