William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the timeline for the budget allocation and commencement of a new two-storey extension comprising four classrooms, specialist rooms, toilets, stores at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40184/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the departments pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide a 4 classroom SEN Base. The project was devolved to the school for delivery.

I can confirm that this project received my departments approval to proceed to Stage 2b (developed design) in July 2024, and my department now awaits a post planning report to include the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents, from the school for review.

Once this Stage 2b report is received it will undergo an intensive review from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.

In advance of securing the necessary statutory approvals, it is not possible to accurately predict when this school building project will go to construction nor when it will be completed.

My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.