Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a project for the schools to which he refers has recently been approved. The single project will provide for the construction of a 41-classroom primary school for Trinity National School as well as the development of an eight-classroom primary school for Tuam Educate Together National School on the same site. Special education needs classes are also being provided for both schools.

I can also confirm that the project for Trinity National School will facilitate the amalgamation to which he refers. Trinity National School is an amalgamation of three schools; namely, Presentation Primary School, Scoil Mhuire Mercy Primary School and St. Patrick’s Primary School.

The amalgamation took place from 1 September 2019 and the three schools' existing buildings are continuing to be used until the new amalgamated school is provided. The Department will be devolving the delivery of this project to Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, ETB. The next step in the progression of this project through the architectural planning process is for Galway and Roscommon ETB to enter into a service level agreement with the Department. The execution of the service level agreement is currently under way. Once this is in place, Galway and Roscommon ETB will proceed with the appointment of a design team to progress the project through design, planning and construction in due course.

I thank Galway and Roscommon ETB for taking on the management and delivery of this campus project. This project will involve a very significant investment in the provision of new and very modern school facilities in Tuam and is very welcome.

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