Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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502. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to explain the position regarding a proposed new national school (details supplied) in County Cork; whether all the necessary documentation has been received by her Department to enable it to make a decision; when this project is expected to be put out to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10568/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Major Building Project referred to is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b - Detailed Design which includes applications for planning permission, Fire Safety Certification, Disability Access Certification and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been received.

A report regarding cost adjustments has been received in my Department and is currently under review. Upon completion of this review and subject to no issues arising the Board of Management and Design Team will be authorised to complete the stage 2(b) report. Once the Stage 2(b) Submission has been received and assessed, the Department will then communicate with the school authority regarding the potential, at that time, for progression of the project to tender and construction.

Due to competing demands on the Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the five year construction programme. However, school building projects, including this project, which have been initiated but not included in the current five year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages so that it will be well placed for further progress in anticipation of further funds being available to the Department.