Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
449. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay to the start date of construction for a school (details supplied) from December 2024 to September 2025; when that decision was taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12250/24]
View answer450. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the supports in place to help accommodate the growing school community (details supplied), in light of the delayed construction start date for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12251/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 450 together.
The project to which the Deputy refers, is devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).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. This welcomed change to the project brief meant that additional time was required to amend the detailed drawings before the planning submission.Currently, the project is currently at stage 2b of the architectural planning process which allows for detailed design/planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents.A planning application was submitted to Wicklow County Council in Q4 2023. The County Council have requested further information, which the Design Team are currently in the process of collating and procuring the additional surveys requested. Subject to any further issues arising during the planning process and as soon the once the necessary statutory planning permissions have been obtained, KWETB will finalise and submit the stage 2b report to my Department for review.Following a review and approval of this report, the project will proceed to tender and construction in due course. It is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for the project at this stage.In order to address increasing enrolments, the Department has provided significant modular accommodation for the school - most recently for the 2023/2024 academic year. Any future applications from the school for further interim accommodation will be reviewed and assessed by the Department.
