William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update of the timeline for the budget allocation and commencement of the new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40185/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The project to which the Deputy refers, was approved funding as a large-scale capital project. It is devolved for delivery to Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).

I am pleased to advise that the project is currently at stage 2b of the architectural design process (developed design). At this stage the design team will obtain the statutory planning approvals, prepare a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and prepare an accurate pretender cost plan.

At this juncture, it is not possible to give a date for the project completion. LOETB as the devolved delivery body, will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

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.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will intervene to allow a school (details supplied) access to land owned by Fingal County Council immediately adjacent to the school for the duration of building works that will be commencing soon, so school students have access to some play areas while building works are taking place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40071/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school to which the Deputy refers to was approved to enter the departments pipeline of school building projects under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide a 4 Classroom SEN base and 2 SET classrooms. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.

In March 2025, my department wrote to the school confirming that funding would not be provided for the proposed temporary development during the construction phase. To support the advancement of this project, the design team should be encouraged to develop proposals that remain within the boundaries of the school’s existing site ownership. The Department has assessed the project and advised that this is possible.

My department has also engaged with Fingal County Council regarding this matter and advised that there are no immediate plans for the land in question. Should any developments arise in the future, the Department will ensure that the Council is appropriately updated.