Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
308. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when the next round of tender offers will be issued for school building projects in the Dublin Mid-West area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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.
In recent years my department has delivered significant expanded capacity in Dublin West, including the new schools for Adamstown Community College and Kishogue Community College. These two new schools alone have delivered 2,000 additional school places in recent years.
There are also a large number of building projects on site or in train across Dublin West including new school buildings for the recently established Coláiste Pobail Fola and Griffeen Community College. New school buildings or extensions are also in train for Holy Family Community School, Tallaght Community School, St. Joseph's College and Lucan Community College. These projects, when completed, will collectively deliver an additional 6,000 new and modernised school places.
Multiple smaller projects providing additional accommodation are also at various stages of planning and delivery across the Dublin Mid-West area.
In late March, following a review of National Development Plan allocations, the Government approved medium term capital allocations for the Department of Education for the period to 2026. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is now reviewing its programme plans in the context of those recently confirmed allocations and a number of schools have recently progressed to Stage 3 - Tender.
This process will continue throughout the coming months as schools progress through the relevant stage gates, mindful of the due diligence required to be carried out by the Department at each stage of project development, in line with the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines and budgetary parameters.
The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out at www.gov.ie and is updated on a regular basis.
Department officials will keep the relevant school authorities updated on progress and next steps.
