Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, who is unable to be here due to other commitments.

The Minister is fully aware of the situation at St. John's special school and, with his officials, he is fully committed to ensuring that the project at the school is carried out as quickly as possible.

In March 2018, the Department of Education and Skills approved a grant for this school for the construction of three mainstream classrooms. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. This means that the board of management takes on responsibility to ensure the approved scope of work is delivered and grant limits are adhered to. In July 2018, this approval was subsequently changed and approval was given to build a two classroom special educational needs, SEN, base, which comprises a full suite of accommodation, including a sensory room and a break out room. This type of accommodation is more appropriate to the needs of the school and the board of management accepted the revised accommodation brief.

In February 2019 the Department of Education and Skills received costings and plans for the proposed building from the board of management. The plans submitted included additional floor area and the cost estimate was significantly above the approved grant. What the board of management now proposes is a three-classroom SEN base over two floors. The school's consultant has advised that as the site is restricted it is his opinion that the only viable option is a two-storey structure. It is accepted by the Department that the school site in question is confined in nature. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that departmental officials have reviewed this new proposal, approved the additional scope of work and advised the school to proceed to planning with the proposed design.

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