Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the extension for a school (details supplied); if timelines can be provided for both construction and the provision of new special educational needs rooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57199/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is an amalgamation of St. Joseph’s and St. Brigid’s primary schools. The project brief provides for the construction of a new 12 classroom building with a 2 classroom Special Education Needs Base (SEN) and ancillary facilities to replace the existing St. Joseph’s Senior Primary School. The 6 classroom Junior school St. Brigid’s school is to be retained.

The project entered Stage 1 of Architectural Planning in November 2013, where the Design Team assess site suitability,carry out site surveys and present their Initial Sketch Scheme to the Board of Management and my Department.

It progressed to Stage 2(a) - Developed Design in January 2016, where the preferred design option was fully designed and costed, in preparation for applying for planning permission.

The project is currently at Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design since May 2017, where the Design Team secure all statutory consents (Planning Permission, Fire Safety Cert, Disability Access Cert), complete their tender documentation, and ensure their design complies with all Departmental Technical Guidance documents and current Building Regulations, and compile the short list of pre-qualified contractors.

During the planning process, this project was appealed to An Bord Pleanála in March 2018 by a third party, and the final grant of approval was received from An Bord Pleanála in November 2018. All statutory approvals have been secured.

Additional design works associated with Part L of the Building Regulations in relation to Near Zero Energy Buildings (2017) also had to be included for during Stage 2(b).

The Design Team is currently working on finalising their Stage 2(b) report which upon completion will be submitted to the Department for review and approval.

Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2(b) report my Department will be in contact with the school and its Design Team regarding the timeframe for further progression of the project.

This major building project is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.