Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and thank the Minister of State for being with us today.

I am calling on the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the delivery of a new multistorey secondary school in Coachford College, Coachford, County Cork. Being from the area and having gone to school there, I know first-hand how important Coachford College is to Coachford and the wider rural catchment and hinterland it services, stretching from Aghabullogue to Donaghmore, Rylane, Inniscarra and beyond.It really is a vital service in mid-Cork. The school has been there since the seventies and it has served generations of families. The demand for places continues to grow, year on year. Currently, more than 850 students attend Coachford College and that number is expected to rise further in the years ahead. Both the staff and leadership of the school, under Cork Education and Training Board, ETB, have done outstanding work in maintaining high standards of teaching and learning despite the very real pressures on space and facilities.

Just this year, six students in Coachford College received the maximum 625 points in their leaving cert. This is something we have seen in Coachford year on year, with at least one student attaining the maximum number of points almost every year. The school's current building is no longer fit for the growing population it serves. It is no longer fit for purpose. The same prefabs that were in use when I started school there over 20 years ago are still in use. As I mentioned, the Department has already approved a major building project. Plans are in train and the community has been patient. Funding was granted in 2020. Planning was granted in 2023. We now need clarity and certainty. We need a statement on the current stage of the project and a timeline for when construction will begin.

First-year students who heralded the announcement of funding in 2020 are now in their leaving cert year. They will never see the benefit of the new school building, even though they were told at the time that they would. This project is essential for the educational future of mid-Cork. It is an investment in opportunity, in rural development and in ensuring that every young person in our area can learn in a modern, safe and inspiring environment. Across the country, we have seen that investments to deliver new schools can transform communities. We cannot allow Coachford to fall behind. Students, teachers and parents deserve to know when this long-promised new school building will become a reality.

I thank the Minister of State for being here today. I appreciate it is outside of her Department but I am seeking clarity. When will the design and tender stage be completed? When will we see work commence on site? When will the new Coachford College open its doors to students? It is a very positive project and it is to be welcomed. It is one that will serve many generations to come. It has the full support of the local community and of Cork ETB. It is time now to see progress. We have seen funding allocated and we have seen planning granted but we do not see any progress on actual delivery. We need to ensure the young people of Coachford and mid-Cork have the facilities they deserve. Their future and the future of our region depends on it.