Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it is proposed to meet the requirements insofar as is possible of all school replacement extensions at primary and second level throughout the country with particular reference to those on any such waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35199/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that 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).

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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35200/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Naas.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35201/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

A project to provide for three schools (St Raphael’s Special School, Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge Community School) on a single campus in Celbridge has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.

A letter was issued to the school on the 18th February 2022. This letter advised the school that the NDFA will write to them once all the preparation works are complete to make arrangements to meet to discuss the project brief for the school and the expected timeline for the project.

Conveyancing for the site acquisition for this project is at an advanced stage. Due to the commercially sensitive nature of site acquisitions generally, it is not possible to comment further at this stage.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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200. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare, is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35202/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Maynooth.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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201. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Kilcock, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35203/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Kilcock.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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202. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Clane, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35204/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Clane.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Sallins, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35205/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Sallins.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Leixlip, County Kildare, is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35206/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Leixlip.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Straffan, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35207/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Straffan.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Prosperous, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35208/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.

My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. 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. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.

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

There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Prosperous.

The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ieand is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which applications for improved facilities and extension or replacements in respect of rural primary schools throughout north County Kildare have been received by her Department from the various rural school authorities; the extent to which it is expected to be in a position to respond positively to such requests and requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35209/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the schools existing accommodation.

The Department has approved a number projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the following schools in Kildare, the projects are devolved to the school authorities for delivery:

Straffan N.S., Straffan, RN: 18644U - the project brief, which includes accommodation for pupils with special education needs as well as mainstream classroom accommodation has been furnished to the school authority for acceptance.

Presentation Girls' Primary, RN: 00779U - 4 mainstream classrooms, 3 SET rooms and reconfiguration of classrooms for Early Intervention Unit.

S N Cianog Naofa, Coill Dubh, RN:12998C - 1 mainstream classroom and 1 SET room.

St Patrick's NS, Newbridge, RN: 13328I - 1 special education needs base.

Hewetson NS, Clane, RN: 13902O - 6 mainstream classrooms and 1 special education needs base.

Rathangan BNS, Rathangan, RN: 15957D - 4 mainstream classrooms and 1 special education needs base including reconfiguration works for special class purposes.

Almhaine NS, Newbridge, RN: 17567A- 2 SET rooms prefab replacement.

S N Ide, Athy, RN 1750K - 2 special education needs class base.

S N Mhuire, Naas, RN: 18055B - 2 classroom special education needs class base.

S N Baile Mhic Adaim, Longwood, RN: 18092H - 1 mainstream classroom and 1 SET room.

St Conleth's NS, Carbury, RN: 18449W - 1 mainstream classroom (MCR) with interim MCR for Sept 22.

Newtown NS, Kilcock, RN 18650P - 4 mainstream classrooms, 3 SET rooms (1 prefab replacement) and 2 classroom SEN class base.

S N Tir Mochain, Kilcock, RN 18666H - 3 mainstream classrooms (prefab replacement)

S N Cill Daingain, Monasterevin, RN 18675I - 1 SEN class base and reconfiguration works for SEN class.

Scoil Bhríde, Leixlip, RN: 19407L - 2 SEN class base.

An Linbh Iosa, Naas, RN: 19597T - 2 mainstream classrooms, 1 x SET room and 2 SEN class base.

Scoil UÍ Riada, Kilcock, RN: 19897I - 7 x mainstream classrooms and 3 SET rooms.

Scoil Mhuire Allenwood, Allenwood, RN: 20505S - 3 mainstream classrooms, 2 SEN class base and reconfiguration works to existing smaller mainstream classrooms.

The Department has also approved major projects for primary schools in the north Kildare area and these are at various stages of the design and build process, details outlined below:

MERCY CONVENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, Naas RN: 10540T - New Build 32 classroom.

MONASTEREVIN CONVENT, Monasterevin, RN: 15769C - New Build 24 classroom + 2 classroom SEN base.

SCOIL NAISIUNTA NAOMH PHEADAR, Monasterevin, RN: 16707I. New Build 24 classroom + 2 SEN base.

MAYNOOTH BNS, Maynooth, RN: 17341U New Build 24 classroom.

ST CONLETH'S AND MARY'S NS, Newbridge, RN: 17872F New Build 16 classroom + 3 SEN base.

S N CONNLAODH NAOFA, Newbridge, RN: 17873H New Build 16 classroom + 2 SEN base.

SCOIL MHICHIL NAOFA, Athy, RN: 18288B - Extension and refurbishment 28 Classroom.

ST RAPHAEL'S SPECIAL SCHOOL, Celbridge, RN: 18988G - New Build 25 classroom.

ST ANNE'S SPECIAL SCHOOL, Curragh, RN: 1277B - New Build 16 classroom.

ST MARK'S SPECIAL SCHOOL, Newbridge, RN: 19455W - New Build.

ST PATRICK'S BNS, Clans, RN: 19796C, Clane - New Build 16 classroom + SEN.

SCOIL NAOMH PADRAIG, Leixlip, RN: 20526D - Site Acquisition Process.

GAELSCOIL RUAIRÍ, Maynooth, RN: 20527F - New Build 8 classroom + 2 SEN.

In addition, while the priority in recent years has been the provision of required additional school places, including places for children with special education needs, under Project Ireland 2040 there is an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, including an energy retrofit programme.

Financial provision has been made in the National Development Plan (NDP) for funding support for the refurbishment of schools including retrofit. To prepare the way for this largescale retrofit work, a Pathfinder Partnership Programme has been put in place between my Department and the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The Pathfinder Partnership Programme focuses on supporting energy efficiency retrofit in Primary and Post Primary Schools. These include retrofit improvements for the buildings, test approaches, build best practice and the development of a scalable retrofit model which can be replicated across the public sector.

Where improvements are made, the intent is to optimize improvements concerning fabric and ventilation, improve efficiency of lighting and HVAC systems and deliver space heating by means of renewable heat.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in the provision of new school and facilities at Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35210/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The permanent accommodation for the post primary school in Enfield 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.

The 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.