Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to what extent issues impeding the progress in the provision of the three school project at Celbridge, County Kildare have been resolved to date; whether any particular issue such as agreement with the local authority regarding the road network or other issues remain outstanding, given the particular urgency of the replacement of a school (details supplied) which was deemed an urgent matter ten years ago, when she expects progress on site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4865/24]

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. The shared education campus at Donaghcumper, Celbridge is part of a bundled school building programme.

My Department is aware of the demographic pressures in the area and the importance of this special school project in particular. The project is progressing through the various stages in line with necessary governance and compliance. The NDFA have concluded the arrangements for the required procurement process for the design of this project and have now appointed a design team in accordance with procedures set out in EU public procurement Directives.

At this early stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project. The NDFA have and will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress. My Department will continue to liaise with the NDFA to achieve the earliest completion date possible for this project.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school building and accommodation, including 6 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.

Representatives of the school have viewed the plans for the new school in advance of submitting the planning application. A letter of consent is required from an adjacent landowner as part of the planning application. Once this has been received, the planning application will be submitted shortly thereafter.

It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.

My Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated as the project progresses.