Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
526. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she can clarify whether a school (details supplied) is among the schools affected by the stalled school building programme; if the approval letter from her Department for the proposed works at the school will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17135/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5 April 2023, my Department advised that agreement has been reached to facilitate the progression of the school building programme.
I want to assure you that our team are working extremely hard to ensure that schools are built as quickly as possible so that children and young people have access to a physical environment where they can receive a high standard of education and feel safe, valued and nurtured. My Department has a strong track record of delivery with over 180 projects delivered last year notwithstanding the high levels of construction inflation. There are circa. 300 school building projects currently at construction which includes 40 new school buildings and 260 projects at existing schools.
The school building project to which the Deputy refers is included in my Department's Large Scale Capital Programme, and is currently at Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award. A Stage 3 Tender Report identifying a recommended bidder is with my Department for review. My Department will be in further contact with the school upon review of this report.
