The various stages of architectural planning for large-scale building projects are set out in the frequently asked questions, FAQ, section of the 2004 school building programme which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
While most of the projects in the 2004 school building programme are at an advanced stage of architectural planning, there are over 15 projects in the very early stages of architectural planning that are earmarked for progression through architectural planning and on to construction as part of the programme.
These projects mainly arise in rapidly developing areas and are listed in the programme as part of my Department's response to meeting urgent demand for school places in these areas. To meet the indicative timescales set out in the programme, my Department is using innovative methods to deliver these projects, including a design and build contract, combining of stages of architectural planning for projects, generic designs and various forms of devolved authority.
The expansion of the devolved initiatives that were introduced in 2003 to over 90 further projects enables these schools to progress their projects themselves through architectural planning and on to construction without reference to my Department.