Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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505. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5112/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 5 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Celbridge school planning area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Celbridge School Planning Area:

The three schools in Celbridge (St Raphael Special School, Scoil Naomh Padraig & Celbridge Community School) will be delivered as part of a campus development. The Department has reached agreement in principle with the relevant landowner for the acquisition of a site to accommodate a campus development. The acquisition process is at an advanced stage. My Department is engaging with the developers to finalise the details for Heads of Terms.  It is intended that this site will facilitate the construction of three schools. In tandem with the site acquisition, the Department is finalising the accommodation briefs for the three schools. This will facilitate the commencement of the architectural planning process for the project and the Department will liaise with the school authorities at that stage.

The project in Salesian College, Roll Number 61661Pis currently on site.

As reported in November, the Department has on hand an ASA application on hand for Straffan NS, Roll Number 18644U which has been assessed and a brief acceptance letter issued to the school authority in December 2021 for 2 Special Education Need base unit 2 x 80m2 Mainstream Classrooms and 2 small Mainstream Classrooms to revert to SET rooms.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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506. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5113/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 5 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Naas school planning area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Naas School Planning Area:

An Linbh Iosa, Roll Number 19597T. This project is currently at Stage 1 Design Stage.

Mercy Convent Naas, Roll No: 15040T. This is a new 32 classroom school (replacement school with an additional 4 classrooms). Construction commenced on site in May 2017. The contract was terminated in March 2020. Weatherproofing works, under an enabling works contract are almost complete. An Invitation to Tender, to appoint a contractor to complete the major building project is expected to issue in February 2022 with a proposed completion date June 2023.

Scoil Chorbain, Roll Number 17254C. This project is to provide a new 16 classroom school with a 2 class SEN Base on the existing site. The project has recently been approved to Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes securing all statutory consents and the preparation of tender documents. The Design Team are currently finalising the applications for statutory consents to the Local Authority.

Naas Community College, Roll Number 76194S. As the Deputy is aware, the delivery of the project at Naas Community College has been devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. The substantial completion date for this project is 18th February 2022 and the Design Team’s programme to achieve this is currently on track.

Colaiste Naomh Mhuire, Roll Number 61730I. The project has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This project is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural planning process. Once the Stage report submission is approved by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals.

While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

Naas Primary School, Roll Number 20542B. In 2021 the Department conducted an exercise on the necessity for the establishment of the proposed new primary school for Naas for 2022, taking into account a number of factors, including the pace of delivery of the expected additional residential development in the school planning area, associated enrolments and the capacity in existing schools in the area. The Department is satisfied that demand in Naas in 2022 can be accommodated by the existing and growing schools in this area. Based on this information the opening of this school has been deferred. No decision has been taken yet on the date of its establishment.

The Department will keep the pace of delivery of additional residential development in this school planning area, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data under review and this will inform the timing of school requirements.

SN Mhuire, Roll Number 18055B. My Department currently has on hand 1 ASA application from this school which was received in December 2021 and which is currently under assessment. The application is for the provision of 2 Special Education Needs class base and reconfiguration works for interim.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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507. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements in early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5114/22]

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

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

There are currently 6 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Maynooth school planning area and a further 2 schools are practically complete.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Maynooth School Planning Area

Presentation Girls NS, Roll Number 00779U. The stage 1 report was received in September and is currently under review by the Department’s Professional and Technical section.

The building project for Maynooth BNS, Roll Number 17341U is a new 24 classroom school (replacement school to include an additional 5 classrooms) and 2 classrooms for special education. Construction commenced on site in December 2020 and current completion date is July 2022.

Gaelcholaiste Maigh Nuad, Roll Number 76554W. A project has recently been devolved under the Additional Accommodation Scheme (ASA) 2021 to Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB) for refurbishment works to the old Maynooth Post-Primary School, to facilitate a Science Lab, Woodwork Room and Economics Room. The Department authorised KWETB to appoint a Consultant for this project in September 2021.

Kildare Wicklow ETB appointed a Consultant to undertake an Options Study of the property proposed to meet the long term accommodation needs of Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Nuad. The Options Study has been completed and a copy was recently furnished to the Department. This will be considered and the Department will engage with the ETB when this process has been completed.”

The building project for Gaelscoil Ruairí, Roll Number 20527F is being delivered under the Department’s Design and Build Programme. The final grant of planning was received at the end of July 2021. The Department’s Project Manager with their Design Team has commenced the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete the project will then proceed to tender stage.

The projects for Maynooth campus (Maynooth Community College & Maynooth Post Primary) The projects for Maynooth campus (Maynooth Community College & Maynooth Post Primary) were devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).  The school was delivered as part of a campus development. The main school buildings of the project were made available for occupation on the 22nd December 2020 to the school. The shared PE facility was made available for occupation on the 1st September 2021 to the school campus.  

The project at Maynooth Campus is substantially complete.

My Department has no applications on hand under the additional school accommodation (ASA) scheme in respect of schools in and Maynooth.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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508. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5115/22]

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

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 9 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Kilcock School Planning Area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Kilcock School Planning Area:

Scoil Uí Ríada, Roll Number 19897I.This project was approved to planning stage 2a on 07/04/2021. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project.

Newtown NS, Roll Number 18650P. The project was approved to planning stage on 07/04/2021. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project. This project is currently onsite and nearing completion.

Tiermohan NS, Roll Number 18666H. This project is currently onsite and nearing completion.

Scoil Dara, Roll Number 61691B. Technical Comments have issued to the school regarding the submitted stage 1 report. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project.

The building project for Enfield Community College, Roll Number 76595N is being delivered under the Department’s Design and Build Programme. The decision to grant planning permission by the Local Authority, which was received in July, was subject to 18 conditions. The Project Manager with their Design Team have commenced the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete the project will then proceed to tender stage.

My Department currently has no applications on hand under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme in respect of schools in Kilcock.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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509. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5116/22]

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

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 2 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Lexilip School Planning Area.These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Leixlip School Planning Area

The project associated with Confey Community College, Roll Number 70691C is at Stage 1. It is currently the responsibility of the School Authority to progress the project.

The project associated with Leixlip ETNS, Roll Number 20526D is at project brief stage. A site is also required to construct a permanent school building for the school. The site identification and assessment exercise for Leixlip ETNS is ongoing.

A Minister-owned site has been identified as an option for potential redevelopment to accommodate a second school. In the case where any such solution is being considered, engagement takes place with all relevant stakeholders regarding the feasibility of any proposed solution to identify what is technically feasible as well as finding a solution that is both mutually beneficial for the State and any school which may be impacted.

In this case, Officials in my Department have approached representatives of the existing school on the site to begin engagement. It is not possible to provide any further information at this stage.

The school site identification process is a dynamic one where new information on sites may come to the attention of my Department from time to time. My Department is in regular contact with local authorities to assist with this flow of information, and it will continue to do so in this case

My Department has one application on under the Additional Schools Accommodation scheme for Scoil Bhride, Leixlip, - Roll number 19407L.  Following assessment, a brief acceptance letter issued to the school in January 2022 for a 2 Special Education Needs class base unit.