Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the proposed extension to a school (details supplied); and whether this will include an entrance at Lagan Grove. [18105/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The brief for the major building project for St Killian’s Special School is the development of a 16 classroom special school for pupils with special educational needs, at the current site of St Killian’s Special School, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork.

This major project is being delivered under the Departments ADAPT Programme.

The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.

The original brief was to provide a new extension and refurbishment of the existing building. During Stage 1 – Preliminary Design where the Design Team assess the site suitability, existing buildings and present design options, a new replacement school building was approved by the Department as the agreed preferred design option. This will eliminate the requirement to decant the school from its current location during the construction stage of the project.

The Design Team, having received authorisation to progress Stage 2(a) – Developed Design in late February 2025, will be developing the preferred agreed design option to a stage where it can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for all statutory approvals, including planning permission.

Upon receipt, review and approval of the Stage 2(a) Submission, the Department will advise the School and Design Team of the further progression of the project to the next stage of architectural planning.

In relation to your query about Lagan Grove, at present there is no plans to include an entrance at Lagan Grove.