Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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432. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status and progress on the LMETB headquarters for Drogheda; the reason for the delay in commencing the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39506/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB).

The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process. This stage involves obtaining all statutory approvals, preparing a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and preparing an accurate pre-tender cost plan.

My department manages the progression of the existing pipeline of projects within available budgets and in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. As for all capital projects of this nature, this project is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.

At this juncture, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project however my department will continue to engage with LMETB in relation to this important project.

Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,400 school building projects.? Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities.? A recent Government decision has approved €210m supplementary capital funding for my department which brings the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.

As part of the NDP Review process, all departments, including my department, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform 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. Maximising existing capacity in schools to meet needs is very important.? 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.