As the Deputy is aware, the school in question is co-located with another primary school on the same site.
Following engagement with the patrons of both schools in 2019, it was decided to expand the capacity of the patronage of the school referred to on the existing site from 16-classrooms to 32-classrooms.
This is linked to a major school building project for a new school building which will facilitate the expansion of the other co-located school from 16 classrooms to 32 classrooms on an alternative site.
The school to which the Deputy refers will remain on its existing site and will occupy the totality of the accommodation when vacated by the other school with whom it is currently co-located.
The project for this other school has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. The NDFA is currently undertaking the process of appointment of multi-disciplinary technical advisors (design teams) for these projects. Thereafter, it will ensure that the project progresses to design stage, obtains the necessary statutory planning permission, and moves the project onward to tender and construction in due course.
In total, an additional 32 mainstream primary classes as well as additional special classes for pupils with special educational needs are being provided between the two schools.
Officials in my Department are currently working to identify whether there is a requirement for an interim accommodation solution pending delivery of this major project, taking into account some potential capacity at other schools in the area and ongoing residential development activity. My Department will engage further with the school in this respect.
