Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity, on behalf of the Department of Education, to outline to the Dáil the current position in relation to the large-scale capital building projects for Holy Family Community School, Rathcoole, and the Clondalkin schools campus. The projects are included in the Department's construction programme which will be delivered under the national development plan as part of the Project Ireland 2040 framework. The Department's planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. Holy Family Community School, Rathcoole and the Clondalkin schools campus remain a priority for delivery, in line with the accommodation issues present at the schools.

The tender process for both projects was undertaken and a contractor has been identified. Given the magnitude of this large scale investment, the tender report evaluation process takes time for the Department's technical staff to adequately and appropriately analyse. The Department is very conscious of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The next steps for the projects will be the completion of the tender process and progression to stage 4 - construction.

I want to reassure the Deputy, Holy Family Community School and the Clondalkin campus school community that the school building projects will be progressed and delivered. The Department will update the school authorities when there is a further update on the progression of the major projects.

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