John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way that a school (details supplied) can access funding for significant works to be undertaken at the school that would not be covered by the summer works programme or other such programmes appropriate to a school that is now 40 years old. [25052/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme in respect of the school in question.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. However, under Project Ireland 2040, there will be an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. The Deputy may also be aware of the very significant school building programme that is currently underway. Overall, there are in excess of 1,300 school building projects at various stages of design, planning, and construction.

The application from the school referred to by the Deputy is currently being considered by my officials who have been in contact with the school. A decision on the application will issue to the school authority directly.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the date when construction works will begin at a school (details supplied) to ensure the project is completed for the academic year commencing September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25053/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme which uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.

It is intended that the project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be included in the next bundle of projects to proceed to tender later this year. It is anticipated that the project will commence on site in early 2023 and will take 70weeks to complete once construction starts.

My Department continues to liaise with the school's patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs. It is intended that the school will move to suitable interim accommodation on the permanent site for the 2023/24 school year, pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.