Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. I thank Senator Kyne for raising the matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline what is happening in regard to the schools he mentioned.

The major building project for Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen, of which I am aware Senator Kyne is an alumni so I am sure the school is delighted he is representing it here in the Seanad, is included in the Department’s construction programme which is being delivered under the national development plan. The brief for this project is, as stated by the Senator, to provide for the demolition of the existing school building, removal of the existing temporary accommodation and the construction of a new school building to include 16 general classrooms and a two-class special educational needs base on the existing site, which as Minister of State with responsibility for special education, I particularly welcome.

Stage 1, preliminary design, was approved on 27 April last and the project then progressed to stage 2a, developed design, where the design team develop the agreed design option and accurately cost plan that option to a stage where the project is fully cost planned and can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals, including planning permission. The design team are currently completing the stage 2a submission and upon receipt and review of the stage 2a report by my Department, the stage 2a stakeholders meeting will take place between the design team, project manager, Department officials and representatives from the board of management. I understand that this meeting is scheduled for 14 October, which is only a few days away. Following the planned stage 2a stakeholders meeting later this month, my Department will advise the school’s board of management and its design team of the further progression of the project for Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen. That is the position in regard to Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen. I note the Senator's comments and contribution in that regard.

As the Senator is aware, the building projects for Scoil Chaitríona Junior and Scoil Chaitríona Senior are also included in my Department’s school building programme to be delivered under the national development plan. The accommodation brief for both projects are being developed and my Department will continue to liaise with the schools in this regard. The Department has also approved an emergency works grant for roof works to the schools' temporary accommodation. We must ensure that all accommodation, whether temporary or permanent, is fit for purpose for the children and staff.

I note that both schools are under the patronage of the Bishop of Galway. As noted by the Senator, there are ongoing conversations between the Bishop of Galway and the patron in regard to all of these matters. I note the Senator's point that Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen, in particular, is looking at an alternative site. The Senator also mentioned a green space owned by Galway County Council which the school wants to use as a play area. The Department is aware that I am here today so the officials will be listening to this debate and, perhaps, they may take note of that if it is not something that has been already brought to their attention.

Suffice to say, all of these schools are in the Department's construction programme in terms of new infrastructure. There are plans for all of them. I will bring back to the Minister, Deputy Foley, the message that the Senator would like all of these matters to be expedited.