Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this important matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline the current position. The major building project for St. Anne's special school at the Curragh in County Kildare is included in the Department's construction programme, which is being delivered under the national development plan.

The brief for this project is part demolition of the original single-storey building and the development of a new-build extension for children with special educational needs at the current school site. Upon completion, the school will have 16 general classrooms, specialist rooms including those for woodwork, art, daily living skills and computers, outdoor spaces and all ancillary accommodation to cater for children with special educational needs.

The design team is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, which is stage 2B - detailed design, as the Senator rightly pointed out, during which the design team will make the application for all statutory approvals and prepare the tender documents. The design team has secured the statutory approvals, including planning permission, and is currently completing the stage 2B report. The design team anticipates submitting the stage 2B report to the Department early in quarter three of 2024. On receipt of the review of the stage 2B report, Department officials will contact the school and its design team to advise of the next steps in the project progression.

During 2020 and 2021, in advance of delivery of the major project and in part to replace older prefabs, an enabling works contract delivered six modular classrooms, a sensory room, ancillary accommodation and an outdoor play space at St. Anne's special school.School authorities and their design team have also submitted a report to the Department detailing additional works that will be required to the existing building to include works to the roof, doors and heating system. The Department is assisting the school and its design team with any necessary works to the existing building pending delivery of the major project.