James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of a new school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26110/24]

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

This level of construction roll-out recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. 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 project for the school referred to be the Deputy will deliver a new 8 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs.

The project currently has planning permission and will, along with a number of other projects, be brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of the Department’s project manager.

The process of appointing the Design Team from the Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is currently close to completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation.

The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3, tender stage. Projects are subject to relevant due diligence at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters.

The school is currently located in interim accommodation on the Moyglare Campus Site, Maynooth. There is sufficient interim accommodation for the 2024/2025 school year. My Department will continue to address the school's interim accommodation requirements pending delivery of its permanent accommodation.

My Department will continue to keep the school and Patron Body updated in relation to progress.