Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue relating to Ballinspittle National School, a small country school in a village just south of Kinsale. According to the most recent census, the population of Ballinspittle has grown by over 10%. It is a unique little part of the world that has so much going for it but there has been an issue with schools in the area for at least a decade. The majority of the schools in the locality, taking in Kinsale, Ballinspittle, Rennies, Minane Bridge, Belgooly and Dunderrow, have been upgraded but there are two schools in the district that have not been upgraded. One is Summercove National School and the other is Ballinspittle National School.

I seek clarity on the next phase for Ballinspittle National School. A substantial project went to tender during the summer comprising a brand new second floor, a library, offices, a general purpose building, a special education room, an administration room and a store room. The tender closed at the start of August and the question now relates to the next phase. I want to get clarity on how this project will be progressed. What is the timeline in terms of when we will see shovels in the ground? This development will have a hugely positive impact on the community. I accept that this is a complicated building project that will probably take place over two phases. It may be necessary to knock half of the school and then build the other half. Clarity on how this project will proceed is very important.

There has been significant development in the area in recent years. There are eight mainstream classes in Ballinspittle National School. There are four special resource teachers, two SNAs and over 200 pupils attending the school, which is a significant size in that part of the world. The newly appointed principal, Ms Sheila Wall, is doing a fantastic job.

I seek clarity on the next phases of the project. Tenders have been received. Have they been opened? Is there an approved tenderer and what is the timeline for this new school to be built?