Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new school (details supplied); the stage at which the project is at; when construction will commence on the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46533/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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This major building project is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

Following the appointment of a replacement consultant architect, the Design Team has reviewed the previous Stage 2(b) documentation and upgraded the design to ensure that the new school building is a Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in compliance with the 2017 amendment to Part L of the current Building Regulations.

A revised Stage 2(b) report has been submitted by the Design Team to the Department for review. Upon the commencement of the review of the submitted documentation the Department requested the Design Team to submit some additional revised documentation which has recently been received. Once the revised Stage 2(b) review is complete the Department will revert to the Board of Management regarding the progression of the project.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the commencement and completion date for the building of a new secondary school in the Greystones and Kilcoole area of County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46536/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The provision of permanent accommodation for the new post primary school to serve Greystones and Kilcoole requires the acquisition of a site by my Department.

I can confirm a potential site option has been identified and discussions are ongoing with the landowner with a view to acquiring this site. It is difficult to indicate a timeframe for any site acquisition as each process is unique and in some instances complex issues can arise which can cause delays.

Nevertheless, my Department is committed to delivering a site for the new post primary school for the Greystones and Kilcoole area of County Wicklow and work is ongoing to achieve this as soon as possible. Once there is sufficient certainty in respect of a site the project to deliver the permanent accommodation can advance into the architectural planning stage.