Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if her Department has applied for an extension of the existing planning permission for a school (details supplied) in light of current delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19621/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education what contingency plans are in place for pupils in a school (details supplied) for the 2024/2025 school year in light of current delays with the anticipated new school building; if additional accommodation will be available; if this will be at the current site; if agreement has been reached with the local landlord in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.
The school to which the Deputy refers is currently located in interim accommodation on the Dunshaughlin GAA Site. My Department is currently working on providing additional interim accommodation in order to meet the demand for September 2024/2025 school year and expects to lodge an application for an extension to the planning permission shortly.
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. Projects at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
I recently announced that close to 90 school building projects currently at tender stage will be authorised to proceed to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
This level of construction rollout recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education, including responding to the increased requirement for special education provision.
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy currently has planning permission and will, along with a number of other projects with planning permission, be brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of my Department’s Project Manager. The process of appointing the Design Team from my Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is now progressing through design development stages.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation requirements and provide any updates in relation to progress on the school's permanent building project.
