Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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466. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for a new school building by a school (details supplied). [18346/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 is currently 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. My Department met with the school and the increase was accepted by the school.

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 my 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.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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467. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied). [18361/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department recently received an application for capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation scheme, from the school authority referred to by the Deputy.  Once the application has been assessed, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.