Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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145. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) will not proceed until the new campus and facilities are fully ready to receive the students; when same will occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8690/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department approved the amalgamation of the three post primary schools in question following an application from the schools' Patrons. It was also agreed that the amalgamated co-educational school would have a design capacity for up to 800 pupils.

My Department approved significant capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA) for the construction of the required additional capacity. This additional accommodation encompasses provision for 6 additional mainstream classrooms, science, home economics, textiles, art, music, DCG, technology rooms, and staff room in addition to 4 classrooms for children with special educational needs. This project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.

At the request of the patrons, my Department agreed to the amalgamation taking effect from September 2022. Following subsequent engagement and again at the request of the school patrons, my Department has now agreed to extend the timeline for opening St Seton’s Secondary School. The school patrons will use this time to engage in further planning and coordination with the school community before agreeing a new timeline for opening the school.