Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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88. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the plans for new school buildings and refurbishment for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23150/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for delivering the project in question has been devolved to Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB). The Department of Education originally approved the construction of a standalone extension of just over 4,000m2 in area to include a 2-classroom SEN Base. Some works to the existing building were also included in this approval.

A number of significant issues have unfortunately arisen, including delays in obtaining statutory consents from the local authority and delays to the finalisation of the detailed design process for the project, as it was originally approved.

My Department is currently in the process of reviewing next steps in the progression of the project but it is anticipated that DDLETB will shortly be approved to proceed with the appointment of a Design Team to progress the redesign of the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions and move the project onward to construction in due course.

A further meeting between my Department and DDLETB is scheduled for next week.

As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for completion.

Pending completion of the main building project, the Department has approved the provision of a Home Economics Room, an Art Room, and a Toilet Block, through the Department’s Framework of Modular Accommodation Providers. This project is currently underway and will be in situ for September 2022. The school has put contingency arrangements in place to make best use of existing accommodation until the modular accommodation is ready to be occupied.