Senator Sarah O’Reilly:

I thank the Minister of State for the update. I welcome that the project has reached this stage of the process and that the Department is reviewing the report. However, I must express the real sense of frustration on the ground in Bailieborough. We have been talking about this expansion since 2020 and the need has only become more pressing, with enrolments climbing steadily every year. I cannot see why the pre-evaluation process cannot go ahead. I accept that due diligence is necessary in line with the public infrastructure guidelines but I urge the Minister for education and her Department to move this project forward with urgency.

Bailieborough is recognised as a self-sustaining town in the county's settlement hierarchy. Its population has grown rapidly and we cannot leave the school to cope with this indefinitely. The school is already bursting at the seams and space is at a premium. Delays to this extension will result in limited facilities and additional pressure on teaching and learning spaces. The proposed lab, music room, art room and library are exciting for both teachers and students. Students who were attending the school at the time of the first announcement have now gone on to college. They did not get to see the new facilities materialise.

In March 2026 a new housing estate of 48 social houses is due for completion, which will create further demand for school places. At this rate we will soon be looking for an extension to the fantasy extension that is still not built. A clear timeline for delivery would provide reassurance to the community that this is being prioritised. I welcome that the Department is committed to progressing the project but I ask for a commitment to a clear timeline for when we can expect to see construction start and when the Department hopes to see the school extension completed.