Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new building school for a school (details supplied). [9817/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The major project for the construction of the new school building for the school referred to by the deputy is at an advanced stage of the tender process and my Department is currently awaiting the return of the supplementary tender report.

Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged that construction should commence following the finalisation of the tender process with a contract duration of approximately 20 months.

The tender process for the provision of the second phase of the temporary accommodation on the existing school site has completed and the Letter of Acceptance has issued.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the agreed new building for a school (details supplied). [9818/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Major Building Project for the school referred to by the deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan. The project in question is at Stage 1 of architectural planning which entails preliminary design of site and location suitability and initial sketch scheme.

A review in 2019 of the demand for post primary provision in the area resulted in an increase in the schedule of accommodation to cater for up to 1300 pupils. The Department met with the school and the increase was accepted by the school. Agreement was also obtained from the school patron on a reservation of space on the school site for future educational development.

Initially, it had been anticipated that this project would be delivered in the form of an extension and refurbishment. However, through ongoing engagement with the school, its Board of Management and Trustees (CEIST), the option of a New Build is currently being explored by the Department.

The Design Team has been instructed to provide an initial sketch scheme for a 1300 pupil school, and submit to the Department for review.

Following this review my Department will then be in contact with the Board of Management of the school with regard to the progression of the project.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the agreed new school to replace a school (details supplied) in order to provide needed spaces for Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9819/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm for the Deputy that my Department is currently undertaking a site identification exercise in order to appraise suitable sites for the school to which you refer. This exercise is being conducted in line with current restrictions in place due to the covid-19 pandemic, nevertheless, my officials are making progress on the exercise. The exercise is considering options in Kildare & Newbridge. Due to obvious commercial sensitivities, I cannot elaborate any further at this juncture but please rest assured that the project is being given due consideration and attention.