Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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706. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 8 March 2023, if she will provide additional information (details supplied) pertaining to the cost of the project to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13185/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project for school mentioned by the Deputy is in early architectural planning which involves site surveys, school design stages and the preparation of statutory applications.

It is anticipated that the planning application for the permanent school referred to by the Deputy will be lodged in Q2 2023.

My Department must then await a decision on planning from the local authority. A notification to grant planning can be received after 8 weeks, although there is an opening for the Local Authority to request further information (RFI). There is always also the possibility of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála (ABP).

As with any school building project progressing to tender, this can only occur once planning has been secured. Tender processes are currently taking approximately 8 to 10 months. Details of the current estimated cost for construction of the permanent school would be commercially sensitive prior to a tender exercise and award of a contract.

My Department can confirm that a contribution of €40,000 was paid to the local authority in relation to footpaths in May 2021.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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707. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will identify the ten projects in Lot 6 of her Department's Design and Build Programme, whereby construction works which were due to commence in 2023 have been delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13187/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I will issue a response directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project referred to by the deputy has been devolved for delivery to Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB).The brief for this project is extremely complex. This resulted in a more difficult than usual and protracted process of preparation of tender documentation. The original brief provided for a 27 classroom brief on a difficult site and it failed to attract a tender from an architect during the procurement of the Design Team (DT).

In an effort to resolve these issues and find a suitable solution, the Department along with DDLETB are engaged in the process of agreeing an appropriate accommodation scope which will meet the current and future needs of the school, as well as being deliverable on the current school site. Department officials met the ETB onsite in recent months, arising from which the ETB was to undertake a site survey to include levels, due to the size of the potential extension.

The Design Team was requested to explore all possibilities for providing the required additional accommodation on site while also maximising the available play space available. Currently, a submission in this regard is under review in the Department.

In the context of statutory planning and procurement processes, it is not possible to give a timeframe for the delivery of the permanent accommodation at this time. However, the Department is working with DDLETB to ensure that any essential interim accommodation is put in place as required.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning – Stage 2b Detailed Design, where the design team make their applications for all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents. The Design Team are currently completing the Stage 2(b) submission.

Upon receipt and review of the stage 2(b) submission by my Department, the school authorities and their design team will then be advised as to the further progression of the project.

The major project will deliver new 16 classroom school accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, on a greenfield site at Loughshinny, Co Dublin. The final grant of planning permission for the development was received on 01^stNovember 2022.

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.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning – Stage 3 tender action and award.

The Design Team was authorised to proceed to tender in June 2022. The closing date for tenders has now passed and the Design Team are currently preparing the Tender report which will be forwarded to my Department in due course, on receipt this report will be assessed by my Department’s technical team.

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.

We are 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.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery under the patronage of CEIST.

Approval has been given under the Department’s Major Capital Programme for a project to proceed to delivery as part of Project Ireland 2040. The brief for this project is to provide a 16 classroom Primary School with 1 SEN Base, GP room, Library and other ancillary accommodation for the school in question. This campus project also includes the delivery of a 1,000 pupil Post Primary School including a 4 class SEN Base, 37 classrooms, Specialist rooms, a Library, a PE Hall and other ancillary accommodation.

The Service Level Agreement (SLA) between CEIST and the Department has been executed. Procurement of a design team for the project has been finalised and the design team has been appointed. The project is currently at Stage 2a.

It is now a matter for CEIST to progress this project accordingly. The Design Team will now design the building, obtain the necessary statutory planning permission 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 its completion.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery under the patronage of CEIST.

Approval has been given under the Department’s Major Capital Programme for a project to proceed to delivery as part of Project Ireland 2040. The brief for this project is to provide a 1,000 pupil Post Primary School including a 4 class SEN Base, 37 classrooms, Specialist rooms, a Library a PE Hall and other ancillary accommodation for the school in question. The brief also includes the delivery of a 16 classroom Primary School with 1 SEN Base, GP room, Library and other ancillary accommodation.

The Service Level Agreement (SLA) between CEIST and the Department has been executed. Procurement of a design team for the project has been finalised and the design team has been appointed. The project is currently at Stage 2a.

It is now a matter for CEIST to progress this project accordingly. The Design Team will now design the building, obtain the necessary statutory planning permission 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 its completion.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A large scale capital project to provide accommodation for 1000 pupils for the school referred to by the Deputy reached substantial completion in 2021.

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 following meetings between the Department and DDLETB that the project should be redesigned on that basis. 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.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning – Stage 2b Detailed Design, where the design team make their applications for all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents. The Design Team are currently completing the Stage 2(b) submission.

Upon receipt and review of the stage 2(b) submission by my Department, the school authorities and their design team will then be advised as to the further progression of the project.

The major project will deliver a new replacement 21 classroom school plus 2 classes and accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, at the existing school site. The final grant of planning permission for the development was received on 18^thOctober 2022.

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.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 4, in construction. Works commenced on site in January 2022 and are scheduled for completion in Quarter 3 of 2023.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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717. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide assurances that new building works for a school (details supplied) will proceed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13201/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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.

We are 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.

This includes the major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy, due to proceed to tender.

Prior to the major project being progressed to tender, an enabling works is required to underground ESB cables at the site for the new school. These works are to be carried out in the near future, in conjunction with ESBN Ireland and the Local Authority.

I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing.

The Department will update the School Authorities when there is further clarity on the progression of the major project.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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718. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans her Department has to provide a secondary school in Newcastle, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13219/23]

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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732. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her Department's plans to provide a secondary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13362/23]

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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741. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to establish a secondary school in Newcastle, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13422/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 732 and 741 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

The level of demand volume across school planning areas with an increasing net requirement ranges from small to medium increases that are likely to be accommodated by existing schools through to significant projected growth that may require additional provision. Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

My Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in a number of school planning areas (SPA's) including the school planning area of Newcastle/Rathcoole .

Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area

- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.

The projected peak enrolment year for the Newcastle/Rathcoole post-primary School Planning Area is 2025. The combined current 2022 enrolment in the two post primary schools in the SPA is 1,384 pupils. Major building projects are in train for the two post primary schools in the Newcastle/Rathcoole SPA as follows:

- Colaiste Pobail Fola Community College - Project to deliver a 1,000 pupil school with accommodation for pupils with special education needs is at Stage 2b (detailed design) of architectural planning.

- RN91301D Holy Family Community School - Project to deliver a 1,000 pupil school with accommodation for pupils with special education needs is at Stage 3 (tender stage) of architectural planning.

New schools are established by my Department on the basis of identified demographic demand in an area, and only after consideration of the capacity of existing schools to absorb the expected school place demand.

Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with the local Council in respect of its review of the Development Plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements.

It is expected that the building projects for the two schools referred to will cater for the future demand in this school planning area - the requirement for additional school places in the Newcastle/Rathcoole school planning areas will be kept under on-going review.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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719. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the action her Department is taking to ensure a project at a school (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity given the many delays already faced, and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13220/23]

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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731. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the action her Department is taking to ensure the paused building project at a school (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity given the many delays already faced; and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13361/23]

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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740. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if every effort will be made to commence construction at a school (details supplied) in the coming months, given the announcement that a large number of school construction projects have been put on hold due to cost evaluation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13421/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 719, 731 and 740 together.

The Project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage Tender Action and Award.

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, 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 adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.

We are currently at a very advanced stage with these discussions. Progress has been made and I am anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. I am well aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for me. I have engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.

We will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage. Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond.

The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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720. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) is one of the school building projects delayed due to funding constraints; her plans to address this to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13245/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The building project for the school referred to by the deputy has been devolved for delivery to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). The project is currently at Stage 3 of the delivery process. The Department recently received the Tender Assessment Report for consideration before issuing approval to Stage 4 Construction.

The 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.The Department's Planning and Building Unit is also currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. The Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, the 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 construction in 2023. Key priorities for the Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the College 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. This school is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.

While at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for approval to construction, the Department and LMETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this regard.