Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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416. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the planned extension for a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; the projected timescale for construction to start; and if the school can be approved emergency accommodation in the interim. [2363/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 3 General Classrooms, Science and Preparation area, Construction Room and Preparation area, Home Economic Room, Graphic Design Laboratory, Music Room, Project Store, 2 SET Rooms & Ancillary Rooms and a 1 Class SEN Base. The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.

I can confirm that this project received my departments approval to go to planning in Q3 2024 and the department now awaits a post planning (developed design) report from the school for review.

In relation to the query on Emergency works I can confirm an application was received by my Department. The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is to provide for unforeseen emergencies that impact on school buildings. Upon review of this application the school were informed to apply to my Departments Additional Needs Assessment (ANA) section in relation to the food servery. In relation to the toilet facilities I can confirm that facilities have been provided for in the ASA project to include student, assisted users and staff toilets along with toilet facilities in the SEN base. There are currently no ANA applications awaiting decision.

At this early 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 the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project.