Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether she will make provisions for the tender schedule for the new school building project of a school (details supplied) to include provision for the groundworks (earthworks and drainage) for the proposed new playing pitch on site, as this is necessary for the realisation of this playing facility for the school and the community in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4153/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.

The brief for the project is to provide a new build replacement school for a long-term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils including a 4 class SEN base.

The project is currently in the final stages of Stage 2b of the architectural process and when this stage has been finalised and approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction in due course.

The Department has recently received a pitch development proposal for this project which is under review. Once the review is complete the Department will advise the NDFA of its recommendation on this matter.

The Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Coláiste Bhríde and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that this project - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.

While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.