John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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606. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a school extension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11165/25]

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 nine general classrooms, five SET Rooms, one graphics room, one music room, one textiles room and a 2 classroom special educational needs (SEN) base as well as demolition of existing prefab block. The responsibility for this project has been devolved to the school authority.

I can confirm that the project received my departments approval to Stage 2a of the architectural planning design process in January 2025. 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. Currently the design team is progressing the Stage 2a in line with the approved Stage 1 and the subsequent comments and recommendations.

Once the Stage 2a submission is received 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.

My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project.