Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30960/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The major building project referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs at the old fire station in Dun Laoghaire.

The project currently has planning permission and is being brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of the Department’s project manager.

The process of appointing the Design Team from the Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is currently close to completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation.

The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3 tender stage. The period of time it takes to progress through each of the stages varies from project to project depending on its size and complexity and can often take longer than that indicated.

An enabling works programme is required for the project and will be undertaken prior to the project proceeding to tender.

The major building project referred to by the deputy is a significant priority for my department and the school and patron body will be updated as the project progresses.