I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 193 together.
In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced recently is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.
School building projects currently in or commencing architectural planning, including the project at the school to which the Deputies refer, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. The Department is in the process of acquiring the site for the school. Acquisition of the site is dependent on a grant of planning permission, an application for which has been submitted to the local authority. The Department is currently preparing a response to a Request for Further Information (RFI) from the local authority and has also, concurrently, commenced the tender process for the appointment of a design team.
However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to progress the project to tender and construction.