Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
288. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if her offices received correspondence on 8 April 2024 on behalf of the parents association of a school (details supplied); if she will meet with the school and parents association; when the parents association can expect a reply; and if the reply will address the substantive issues raised within the original correspondence. [17532/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the major building project for Scoil Chiaráin Special School is a significant priority for my Department.
My Department has received correspondence from the parents council and my Department contacted the school principal to clarify if there are any immediate Life and Safety systems that need addressing, pending the delivery of the new replacement school. The principal confirmed there are none that they are aware of.
While the original project brief was to deliver a new extension and refurbishment of the current school building, it was agreed, following a review by the Design Team to revise the project scope to deliver a new replacement school at the current site in Glasnevin.
The current building dates from the late 1970s. The new building will provide purpose-built accommodation for students with special educational needs, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years. This will comprise 20 mainstream classrooms, along with additional specialised rooms including Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, a Library, GP Room, Dining Space, Sensory Room, dedicated therapy rooms and all associated ancillary accommodation. The accommodation will take into consideration the specific needs of the students of Scoil Chiaráin and will address the issues raised in the parents council letter.
The project is currently close to completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation. The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3, tender stage. Projects are subject to relevant due diligence by my Department at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters.
In late March, following a review of National Development Plan allocations, the Government approved medium term capital allocations for the Department of Education for the period to 2026. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is now reviewing its programme plans in the context of those recently confirmed allocations.
Special schools are a particular priority for my Department’s school building programme and I know the new building for Scoil Chiaráin will be transformative for the school community.
Department officials will keep the school authorities updated on progress and next steps.
My Department will also respond to the parents council letter.
