Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The 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 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs.

My Department's Project Manager is currently finalising the planning application, including any necessary consents, for the project. Once this has been finalised, the planning application will be submitted shortly thereafter.

It is not possible to provide a time-frame 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.

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 & Training Board (DDLETB). This project progressed to Stage 2b (detailed design and planning) of the architectural process. However, a number of significant issues arose and at that point it was agreed between DDLETB and my Department to explore an alternative proposal for the progression of the project as set out by DDLETB.

This alternative involves not only the demolition and replacement of the existing building but also the provision of another school on the site creating a shared education campus. It was agreed following meetings between my Department and DDLETB that a project Masterplan should be redesigned on that basis.

My Department reviewed a Feasibility Study for a shared education campus which formed the basis of discussions with DDLETB towards the end of 2023. It was agreed that the DDLETB would review the Masterplan further, engage with local stakeholders to get their feedback and revert back to my Department.

My Department has and will continue to work closely with DDETB in order to identify the most appropriate solution for the wider education community in the area. I can assure you that my Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in St Finian's Community College and will ensure that this project as for all capital projects of this nature is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure Guidelines.

In the interim, my 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.