Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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611. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of delays with the construction project for a new purpose-built school (details supplied); the action her Department is taking to ensure that the school will be completed by June 2025; and if she will provide a date by which the school will be completed and available to the school community. [11176/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school to which the Deputy refers is at Stage 4 – In Construction. I am aware that there were delays from the outset, as a number of issues arose, which is not unusual given the nature of a brownfield city centre site. My Department sanctioned the appointment of a Project Manager on the project, along with the development of a Building Information Model (BIM) to encourage collaborative working between all disciplines involved in the project.

Good progress has been made since, but progress has slowed recently due to a number of factors, including poor weather conditions and some necessary revised design drawings. The impact of this is currently being assessed by the Project Managers to ensure the earliest possible delivery of the school.

The Project Manager is examining the full programme in an effort to improve the delivery of the school. The school is expected to complete in 2026.

The Department is committed to continue providing enhanced support until the school is completed and is in regular contact with the School Authority (typically ever 4 – 6 weeks). The Department is also engaged with the Design Team and the Contractor to ensure any issues are being addressed in a timely manner.