Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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129. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide on update on the provision of a new school building on existing lands for school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11652/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for delivering a major project for the school in question has been devolved to Dublin and 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 Special Education needs 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. The project was brought to Stage 2B. However, at that point it was agreed between DDLETB and the Department to proceed with an alternative proposal for the progression of the project as set out by DDLETB. This alternative involves the demolition and replacement of the existing building but also allows the provision of accommodation for another school on the site. Based on a report provided by DDLETB, it was agreed in late 2020 following meetings between the Department and DDLETB that the project should be redesigned on that basis. The Department has been reviewing next steps in the progression of the project in the meantime. This review is now completed. The Department is now in a position to instruct DDLETB’s design team to develop a masterplan for the school in question and a second 1,000 pupil post primary school on the same site. The masterplan can develop the initial project in line with the DDLETB proposals previously advised in that respect, and provide a footprint for a second school based on a standard 1,000 pupil Schedule of Accommodation. Following receipt of the masterplan, a decision on the optimum way forward will be taken as quickly as possible, subject to all relevant information being available. The Department will continue to engage with the patron in respect of the project, including in respect of the proposed delivery method. If the masterplan demonstrates that this proposal is feasible, it is then anticipated that the project will progress on that basis. DDLETB can then be expected 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. 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. The school has put contingency arrangements in place to make best use of existing accommodation until the modular accommodation is ready to be occupied.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when construction on a secondary school (details supplied) will commence; if she will ensure that this building work begins as urgently as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The permanent school building project for the site referred to by the Deputy is a campus project to deliver a 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The campus project is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme. The final grant of planning permission for the campus development was received on 9th March 2021.

My Department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of overall requirements and available funding. Our most immediate priorities are to cater for September 2023 requirements.

My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to tender and construction in 2023 and minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.

Currently there are 58 school building projects, including the campus project for the school referred to by the Deputy, on hold for proceeding to tender/construction due to capital funding pressures.

My Department will continue to liaise with the school's patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs on the permanent site for the school. The Department will keep the school and its patron body updated when there is further clarity on progression of projects.