Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when physical work will start on the new permanent building for a school (details supplied); the timeline for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36864/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 1,000 post-primary school pupils plus accommodation for students with special educational needs.

Planning Permission was granted in January 2025. 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 will keep the school and the patron body updated as the project progresses.