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 as part of a programme of school building projects.

It is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. A planning application was lodged with Carlow County Council and planning permission was granted in Quarter 3 2023. The pre-qualification process is currently underway and once complete, and following Departmental approval, the NDFA will continue the tender process for appointing a contractor in due course.

While at this stage it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of this project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school in question was recently granted approval under my Department's Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme for the provision of reconfiguration in existing buildings to provide two Special Educational Needs classrooms and two general classroom.

This Programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Term Maintenance Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of contractors are minimised to the greatest extent possible.

However, the overall construction sector environment is challenging and the Department and the Project Management company are doing everything possible to ensure that the appropriate accommodation is delivered as quickly as possible. My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of same and will be working with the School Authority, as Client, to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.