Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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391. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 561 of 9 September 2024, the current status regarding the proposed permanent extension at a school (details supplied); the expected timeframe for completion of this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44233/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the department’s pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide 4 classroom Special Education Needs base, 2 Special Education Tuition rooms, 1 music room, 1 science laboratory and preparation area, 2 technology rooms and 1 preparation area, a general purpose hall and a conversion to provide science laboratory, art room and textiles room.

The school authority is being assisted by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in the delivery of this project.

The Stage 2a report was received by my Department and evaluated from both technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, approval to Stage 2b (approval to planning) of the architectural design process had been issued to Cavan and Monaghan ETB in June 2024.

My department is now awaiting submission of the post planning approval Stage 2b architectural report for review. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.

At this stage, it is not possible to predict when a significant school building project of this nature will go to construction, nor when it will be completed, as progress depends upon many contingent factors that can arise.

My department will continue to engage with Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.