Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.

My Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.

A tender report is under review by Department Officials. When this review is complete my Department will be in contact with the School Authority and the Design Team to progress the project and to authorise the issue of the Letter of Intent to the lowest tenderer.

Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date. However once the contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approximately 15 months to complete the project.

Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.

These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.

There are also 90 projects currently at the tender stage including a further 28 new school buildings. All these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.

This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.