Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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329.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details of the site proposed for a new school build (details supplied); the number of students that it will accommodate; the process and timeline for the completion of the build; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25338/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A potential property has been identified to provide permanent accommodation for Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School

An architectural consultant has determined that it is feasible to develop this site and property to provide the accommodation required by the school.

The proposed brief for the school is to provide accommodation for 600 pupils plus Special Education Needs Provision.

Given the sensitivities associated with acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

I wish to assure you that the provision of a permanent location for this school is a priority for the Department.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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330.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate the level of involvement of the school in the design of a new school build (details supplied); if it will be eligible for the per cent for art scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25339/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project brief for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently being finalised by my Department and it is our intention to progress the project into architectural planning as soon as possible.

School Authorities are typically involved from the early stage of a major project, as part of the assessment team at Design Team tender and appointment stage, and are encouraged to engage with the Design Team from Stage 1, right through the design process.

School Authorities are present at each of the major stakeholder meetings held during the early stages of the project progression, in conjunction with the design team and Department officials.

The Per Cent for Art scheme is a government initiative, whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly funded capital, infrastructural and building development can be allocated to the commissioning of a work of art. The scheme allows people to enjoy and benefit from contemporary art and artists in everyday settings. The Per Cent for Arts Scheme is an important source of Government funding for the arts and enable artists to imagine and create new and ambitious work across all art forms and arts practice areas.? Public Art commissioned through the Per Cent for Arts Scheme can be any art form and exist in many different contexts.

My Department recognises the importance the opportunity the scheme provides for collaboration between an artist and a local school community. All schools with large scale building projects are eligible for the Per Cent for Art Scheme and are provided with information in relation to same.