Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
188. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a school building project (details supplied); what this means in real terms for this school; when the school can expect construction work to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18545/24]
View answerThe large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy, is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The project brief includes a new extension and refurbishment of the existing building, to provide accommodation for 1000 pupils with classrooms for children with Special Educational needs.
The tender report is currently under review by my Department and upon completion of this review, Department officials will be in contact with DDLETB regarding the next steps involved in progressing the project.
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
There are also approximately 90 projects currently at the tender stage including a further 28 new school buildings. All of these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.
My Department has always operated a tightly prioritised approach to the school building programme, that is primarily focused on the delivery of additional capacity where required. This will continue to be the case.
