Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. Projects at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.

I recently announced that close to 90 school building projects currently at tender stage will be authorised to proceed to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation. This level of construction rollout recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education.

In late March, following a review of National Development Plan allocations, the Government approved medium term capital allocations for the Department of Education for the period to 2026. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is now reviewing its programme plans in the context of those recently confirmed allocations and a number of schools have recently progressed to Stage 3 - Tender.

This process will continue throughout the coming months as schools progress through the relevant stage gates, mindful of the due diligence required to be carried out by the Department at each stage of project development, in line with the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines and budgetary parameters.

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out at www.gov.ie/en/service/c5b56b-major-projects/#current-status-of-large-scale-projects, and is updated on a regular basis.

Department officials will keep the relevant school authorities updated on progress and next steps.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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309. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received the postcards sent as part of a campaign by the students and parents of a school (details supplied); if she has responded to the campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22713/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 309 together.

The large-scale capital project at the school referred to is included in m Department's construction programme which will be delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of the Project Ireland 2040 framework.

The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The tender report is under review by my Department, the next step in the process is the authorisation to issue the Letter of Intent. Once the Letter of Intent issues, there is a minimum 14-day standstill period before there can be further progression of the project. The period between Letter of Intent and Letter of Acceptance varies depending on the project and the extent of post-tender clarifications required.

The project remains a priority for delivery, in line with the accommodation issues present at the school. My Department want to reassure the school community, that the school building project will be progressed and delivered.

My Department are aware of the Postcard Campaign and will respond to the campaign in due course.