James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

309. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an extension for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58316/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to was approved for a project under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme. This project was to provide for 5 Mainstream Classrooms with standard WCs, 4 Mainstream Classrooms with standard WCs (Prefab Replacement), 1 WC for assisted users, 2 Science Labs with 1 Prep Area and 1 Art & Crafts Room.

Refurbishment works to existing accommodation to create a one classroom SEN Base for September 2022 were also approved to construction, along with approval to purchase three prefabs that are currently on site.

A site visit was carried out on the 12th November 2021 by Department officials and my Technical Team. Agreement was reached on a new brief which includes a further two additional classrooms, one multimedia room, one textile room, two pastoral offices, refurbishment works to the existing accommodation to create a two classroom SEN base, refurbishment works to a canteen building to be reviewed by the existing design team on the feasibility of renovating this building to accommodate a Library. It was also agreed that 4 additional temporary classrooms are required for September 2022 to facilitate the start-up of the 2 special classes and construction of the permanent extension.

It has taken some time to co-ordinate a complete review of this project. However, with a full brief now established that will meet the needs of this school into the future, my Department will endeavour to work with the delivery body, the Board of Management of the school, in order to progress this project in as expeditious a manner as possible.