Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new school build for a school (details supplied); the proposed commencement date for building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26872/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick, Clare Education and Training Board and is currently at Stage 3 of the architectural process.

The tender report has been received by my Department and is currently under review from both a technical and cost perspective. The review is nearing completion, and my department will revert to LCETB directly on the outcome and the next steps to progressing this important project.

My department will continue to work closely with LCETB to provide any assistance needed to progress this project while LCETB will engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of all developments.

I can assure you that the Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that this project - as for all projects on the school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Infrastructure guidelines. It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and the Department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.

Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.8 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn. This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities’ right around the country.

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.