Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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509. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of projects in schools (details supplied) approved under the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, Devolved Programme. [12901/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the projects to which he refers have been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of bundled school building programmes.

In respect of the two projects referred to that are located in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, both projects are in the bundle referred to as ‘Project Nore'. I'm pleased to inform the Deputy that both of these projects have been approved to Stage 2b (of the architectural planning process) by the Department.

The remaining projects to which the Deputy refers are in the bundle referred to as 'Project Dargle'. The NDFA is currently preparing for the appointment of a Design Team for this bundle.

At this early stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the projects; the NDFA will be engaging directly with relevant school authorities to keep them informed of progress.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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510. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent on developing phase 1 of the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick which was scrapped in 2018; the amount that has been spent on developing stage 2 of this project since 2018; the reason for the delay in approving the stage 2(a) submission made by the education and training board, ETB, in November 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12915/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB).

To date, approximately €346,306 has been spent on costs related to the project incorporating design team fees and surveys. This also includes an amount of €46,012 spent in the initial stages of this project.

The Stage 2A submission was received in my Department in December 2020 and all reports are being assessed as expeditiously as possible.

I am pleased to confirm that the Stage 2A meeting with my Department, the ETB and the Design Team is scheduled for the first week of April. Once the Stage 2(a) submission is approved by my Department, the next step for the ETB's Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals. When these are in place, the project can proceed to tender and construction. It is not possible at this stage to provide a timeline for the completion of the project.