Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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544. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what progress is being made to build a school in Clongriffin (details supplied), given the very high demand for school places in the area and given that the site that is reserved for a school is reserved only until 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17364/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 2022 demographic exercise indicates that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021.  At post-primary level some 74% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through: 

• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

• Provision of a new school or schools.

The most recent projections for the Donaghmede_Howth School Planning Area indicate an increase in requirements at primary level up to 2026, and post primary level up to 2034, followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter. 

The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including in Donaghmede_Howth.

The following building projects are included in the Department’s school building programme for the Donaghmede/Howth/Dublin 13 School Planning Area.

• Gaelcholaiste Reachrann: A major project to provide permanent accommodation for this school is currently at stage 3 (tender). This project, when completed, will provide capacity for 600 pupils.
• Grange Community College: There are plans to expand this school to cater for 1,000 pupils and the project is currently at Project Brief stage.
• Belmayne ETSS: Major project currently at stage 4 (construction) to provide a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school including accommodation for children with special educational needs. 
• Stapolin ETNS: Major project currently at Stage 4 (construction) to provide a new 16 classroom primary school including accommodation for children with special educational needs.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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545. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17384/23]

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 and Training Board (DDLETB). The Department of Education originally approvedthe 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 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.

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. 

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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546. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17385/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the permanent school building project for the school in question, my Department has commenced the tender process for the appointment of the Project Manager. 

Once the Project Manager is appointed, they will commence the tender process for the appointment of the Design Team that will take the project forward through the stages of architectural planning to tender and construction. The school and its Patron Body will be kept fully informed as these steps are progressed.

This is an important project on my Department's capital programme and I look forward to it being progressed and delivered as quickly as possible.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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547. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the extension to the school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17386/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This project is part of the bundle referred to as ‘Project Liffey'.

An initial letter issued in 2022 advising the school that the NDFA will advise once all the preparation works are complete and will make arrangements to meet with the school as appropriate to discuss the project brief and the expected timeline for the project. 

At this early stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project; however, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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548. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the new site and new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17387/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A preferred site has been identified to meet the needs of the school referred to by the Deputy.

My Department has instructed the officials in Fingal County Council, under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites, to commence negotiations for the acquisition of this preferred site.

Once a site has been acquired the project will then progress to the architectural design and planning stages.

While a site acquisition process is underway, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.