Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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154. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a full update on a long awaited school (details supplied); if the project will be delayed by the current Departmental funding issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13919/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project for school referred to 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 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.

My Department will continue to liaise with the school’s patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.