Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award.

The original grant of planning is due to expire in December 2023, but due to changes to the Planning Acts in September 2021, it is no longer possible to apply for an extension to the planning permission for the main building project and a new application is required.

My Department officials will be in contact with the School authority when the planning permission application is progressed.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is part of a campus project and has been devolved for delivery under the patronage of CEIST. The brief for the project includes the delivery of a 16 classroom Primary School with 2 classroom SEN base, GP room, library and other ancillary accommodation.

The project is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural planning design process. At a recent meeting with the Department, a Stage 2a addendum report was requested from the delivery body to address the comments and recommendations expressed by the Departments Professional & Technical Team.

Once this is received, reviewed and approved, the project will then move to Stage 2b which allows for detailed design/planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. The project will then move onward to Tender and 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. However Ceist as the patron body, will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it fully informed of progress.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the school to which he refers was approved a school building project under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project is being managed on a devolved basis by Louth & Meath Education and Training Board on behalf of the school authority and a design team was appointed for the project.

The project approved consists of the building of a 4 classroom SEN unit as an extension to the existing school building, secure hard & soft play areas, a sensory garden and associated works with the school's car park.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received a Stage 2b (post planning approval) report from the school. This report is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. This review is in the final stages and my Department will be in contact with LMETB directly once its review of this report has been completed.