Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction.

School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion.

This is a record level of investment and highlights the department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.

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.