Catherine Murphy
Question:546. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update in respect of the schedule of school projects in Kildare (details supplied). [13243/24]
View answerWednesday, 20 March 2024
Questions (546)
Written answers
In relation to the proposed Special Unit for the school in Kildare, the school in question have been approved an additional accommodation project to provide 5 mainstream classrooms, 2 science labs and 4 Class SEN base. The project is currently at stage 2a (Developed Design Stage). My Department officials are currently engaging with relevant stakeholders in relation to providing an interim accommodation solution for an additional special class. The Department will continue to liaise with the school authority in this regard.
In relation to the campus project for 3 schools, this project has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a bundled school building programme. The schools will be delivered as part of a campus development at Donaghcumper. The project is currently at Stage 1 of the architectural design process. The process of appointing the design team was recently completed in Q1 2024. The design team will now take the project through the various stages of design and architectural planning. It is not possible to provide a timeline for the project at this early stage. The NDFA have and will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
With regard to the reference to shortage of school places in two areas of Kildare, as part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified, including the areas referenced by the Deputy. For the Deputy's information, there are available first year places at certain schools in the relevant area.
While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.
In relation to the final element of this question the major project for this school is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project at this school remains a priority for delivery.
A tender report is under review by Department Officials. When this review is complete my Department will be in contact with the School Authority and the Design Team to progress the project and to authorise the issue of the Letter of Intent to the lowest tenderer. Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date. However once the contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approximately 15 months to complete the project.
Given the procurement matters involved, it is not appropriate at this stage to provide the detailed cost information requested by the Deputy.