James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Since 2020, the Department has invested more than €5 billion in our schools throughout the country involving the completion of more than 950 school building projects and with construction currently under way at approximately 350 other projects, which includes 37 new school buildings. These 350 projects currently in construction involve a total State investment of more than €1.5 billion. The Department announced earlier this year that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, would be authorised to proceed from tender stage to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the Department's large-scale capital programme and additional accommodation scheme for essential classroom accommodation. This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, will significantly increase provision for special education and will upgrade and modernise school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities right around the country. I can assure the Deputy that the Dunshaughlin school campus project is a continuing priority for the Department. The Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body with regard to the interim accommodation requirements and will provide any updates with regard to the progress of the school project as is necessary.

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