Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the building of an extension at a school (details supplied). [36303/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the departments pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 8 general classrooms (1 prefab replacement), 1 Science lab with prep area, 1 DCG room, 1 Music room, 1 SET room, 1 textiles room, 1 Construction room with prep area (prefab replacement), 1 GP Dining (prefab replacement) and a 2 classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base.

The project was devolved for delivery to Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB).

I can confirm that this project received my departments approval to go to Stage 2a (detailed design) of the architectural planning design process in January 2024. This stage must include the development of the design along with an accurate cost plan which best meets the design as agreed at Stage 1.

Once the Stage 2a submission is submitted and reviewed by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals. When these are in place, tender and construction stages will follow.

It is now a matter for LWETB and the school authority to progress this very important project to the next stage.