Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).

The Tender Report has been received by my Department and is currently under review from both a technical and cost perspective. Once completed my Department will revert to CMETB directly on the outcome and the next steps to progress this project.

CMETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in this school and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that this school project - as for all projects on the school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure guidelines. It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my Department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.

Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €4.5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This is a record level of investment and highlights my Department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.