Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Ceisteanna (828)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

828. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education the status of the new build for a school (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that students are being deprived of the level of subject choices provided in other secondary schools due to the fact that the facilities are not available to deliver a full range of subjects; when the new building will be fully functional for students; if she will take all steps to ensure that this is made a priority for those who need this educational facility urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2087/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The permanent building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.   

An application for planning permission for a 1,000 pupil post-primary school building, including a 4 classroom Special Educational Needs Unit, was submitted to the relevant Local Authority in June 2021. A Request for Further Information (RFI) was received on 27th July 2021, with a response submitted to the local authority on 7th December 2021.  A Clarification of Further Information was received from the Local Authority on 12th January 2022, a response to which is currently being considered.

It is not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.

My Department will continue to work with the school's patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation requirements.