Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The first school to which the Deputy refers to was approved funding under my Departments Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA) for the provision of 3 science Laboratories, two preparation areas, 1 construction studies room, 1 art room, 3 project storage rooms, 1 home economics room, 1 engineering room, a 2 classroom special educational needs base, a PE Hall and fitness Suite, conversion and demolition works to existing accommodation and ancillary areas.

I can confirm that my Department has received a stage 1 (initial design) architectural report from the school. My Department officials have scheduled a meeting with the school authority and its Design Team in order to progress this important project.

The large scale capital project at the second school referred to by the Deputy, will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT (Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering) Programme. The project brief includes a new extension and refurbishment of existing protected buildings for 1,000 pupils, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.

The project is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 2b – Detailed Design, the stage 2b submission was received by my Department in Quarter 4 2022. In parallel the prequalification of contractors and Reserved Specialists was carried out. On completion of this process, subject to no issues arising, the project will be in a position to proceed to tender.

The large scale capital project for the final school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The project will be delivered under my Department’s Traditional programme. The project brief is for a new 25 classroom school, including 8 classrooms for children with special educational needs. A tender process of this size can take 8-12 months to complete.