Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The site identification and assessment exercise for the school referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and a potential property has been identified.

An architectural consultant has been appointed to commence an assessment of this potential property.

Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of a permanent location for this school is a priority for the Department.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The acquisition of the site at Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow is at an advanced stage of the conveyancing process. It is intended that this site will provide a permanent location for the school referred to by the Deputy.

A major building project for this school is included on the Department's school building programme. This site is subject to an SHD application, which is currently with An Bord Pleanála for decision.

Once this process has concluded the project will progress to the architectural design & planning stages.

The Department provide regular updates to the patron body regarding the status of the new school project and will continue to keep them appraised of any future developments.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The project to which the Deputy refers is part of a school campus project and it has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

The Department requested the design team to incorporate a decarbonisation strategy and a revised cost plan as part of their Stage 2b submission. KWETB have advised that they expect to be in a position to submit this revised Stage 2b report early next year. Once this has been reviewed and approved, the project will progress to tender stage.

I am pleased to advise that the pre-qualification process for the project is underway and once complete and following Departmental approval, KWETB will continue with the tender process for appointing a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

It is not possible at this time to give a date for project completion, but KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this respect.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department received an application from the school in question under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme in October 2023.

The application is currently being assessed and contact will be made with the school authorities as soon as the assessment process is completed.

In tandem with this, a major building project to provide a permanent school building for the school is currently being progressed. The delivery body has advised my Department that it expects to be in a position to submit a revised stage 2b report to my Department early in the new year for review and approval.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the pre-qualification process for the project is underway and once complete and following Departmental approval, the delivery body will continue with the tender process for appointing a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The project to which the Deputy refers is part of a school campus project and it has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

The Department requested the design team to incorporate a decarbonisation strategy and a revised cost plan as part of their Stage 2b submission. KWETB have advised that they expect to be in a position to submit this revised Stage 2b report early next year. Once this has been reviewed and approved, the project will progress to tender stage.

I am pleased to advise that the pre-qualification process for the project is underway and once complete and following Departmental approval, KWETB will continue with the tender process for appointing a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

It is not possible at this time to give a date for project completion, but KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this respect.

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

447. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the building works applications for modular units in a school (details supplied); the timeline for delivery of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47433/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

The main focus of the Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. The Department has successfully supported and facilitated the enrolment of over 14,000 children from Ukraine in our primary and post primary schools.

Under Project Ireland 2040 the education sector will receive a total of approximately €5 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. There will be a rolling 5 year funding envelope which will be updated annually for the period 2026 to 2030 within the Government’s overall NDP funding envelope of €136 billion in exchequer capital (€165 billion total capital including non-Exchequer) that will facilitate building a modern and sustainable school infrastructure.

This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme.

The application in question was assessed by my officials and a proposed brief was issued to the school authorities. The proposal was accepted by the school authorities.

The school subsequently requested further additional accommodation. Officials in my Department are currently reviewing this request. Once finalised the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.