Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

454. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on a stage 2(b) submission made to her Department in March for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25517/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The major building project referred to by the Deputy has just recently completed an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.

A scope change to increase the number of classrooms and proposals from the Local Authority to alter the road and access layouts at the school site necessitated a new planning application to be submitted for this project. Final grant of planning permission for the project as currently designed was received from the Local Authority in September 2023.

The Design Team has recently submitted the full Stage 2(b) submission, based on the terms of the planning permission granted in September 2023. All other statutory consents - Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) application have been secured.

The Stage 2(b) submission is currently being reviewed by the Department’s Professional and Technical team.

This project is part of a large pipeline of projects across our large scale and additional accommodation delivery programmes. In accordance with the Public Spending Code, approval at any stage in the project life cycle constitutes approval to move to the next stage rather than overall project approval.

The due diligence by my Department is critical to ensuring quality and value for money, and that projects are progressed within overall programme parameters. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery and department officials will keep the school authority updated as Stage 2(b) progresses.My Department will keep the school authorities updated on progress.