Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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675. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the progress of the new building for a school (details supplied), in light of the project now facing its fourth delay, with the estimated start date pushed to May 2026; the reasons for these repeated delays; if she will confirm the immediate steps being taken to ensure that no further delays occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30526/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

In Quarter 2 2023, the Department approved a submission from the school authority to increase the original brief in the context of a significant increase in projected new enrolments in the area. This allowed for the project to cater for a 1,000 pupil school plus 6 special education needs classes.

A planning application was submitted to Wicklow County Council in Q4 2023 and the full grant of planning permission was received in Q2 2024.

The design team are presently progressing the detail design drawings in preparation for the stage 2b submission to the Department. When the Stage 2b report has been received, reviewed, and approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction in due course.

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

The Department is committed to ensuring appropriate secondary school accommodation is available for all children in the Blessington area 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.

The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.