Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

394. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the current situation at school (details supplied); if so, the details she is aware of; the total amount spent by her Department to date for the school to operate over the past nine years; the definite timeframe on the release of a tender for the school building project, considering planning was received in April 2024 and the urgency caused by the limit of the lease in the temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36038/25]

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

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered as part of my department’s Design & Build Programme and will deliver a new school building to accommodate 600 post-primary school pupils plus accommodation for students with special educational needs.

Planning Permission for the project was granted in May 2024, following an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. The prequalification process to establish a shortlist of suitably qualified contractors is currently underway. This is a preliminary step in the procurement of contractors, and it is currently anticipated this project will proceed to tender to that shortlist during Q4 2025.

As part of the NDP Review process, all departments, including my department, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation with respect to NDP allocations for the period 2026-2030. It is expected that there will be clarity on these allocations over the course of the summer period, and this will allow my department to plan its capital investment programme for the 2026 to 2030 period in line with prioritised needs and reflecting, as appropriate, wider Government priorities. The progression of prioritised individual projects to meet the most urgent needs in the 2026 to 2030 period that cannot be met through existing capacity across schools in the local area will be considered on a rolling basis from Autumn onwards after the NDP allocations are finalised.

My department is aware of the constraints on the interim accommodation of the school in question and the associated requirement for the early delivery of the project delivering permanent accommodation. Department officials will keep the school and the patron body updated as this project progresses.

The school referred to by the Deputy is currently located in rented accommodation and will remain at that location pending delivery of the school’s permanent accommodation. My department does not generally disclose the value of particular leasing agreements for school accommodation as they are commercially sensitive.

My department will continue to address the interim accommodation requirements for the school and will continue to keep the school, through its Patron Body, updated in relation to same.