Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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336. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a project at a school will proceed to the next stage (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40474/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school referred by the Deputy has been approved to enter the Department's pipeline for school building projects to provide for 2 Science labs and prep area, 1 Home Economics room, 1 Textiles room, 1 Music Room, a 2 Classroom SEN base and ancillary.

The Stage 1 Report was received by my Department in April 2025 and is currently being reviewed 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.

Once this review has been completed the Department will contact the school authorities with the outcome for the progression of this much needed project.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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337. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a project for a school will proceed to the next stage (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40475/25]

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 projects to provide the following accommodation: 8 General Classrooms, 4 Special Education Tuition rooms, 1 Music Room, 1 Textiles Room, 1 Art Room, 1 Project Store, 1 Multimedia Room, 2 Science Laboratories and Preparation Area, 1 Library and a General Purpose / Dining Hall.

The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.

I can confirm that the project is currently at Stage 2b, and my Department has been informed planning permission was granted in January 2025.

My Department is now awaiting submission of the post planning approval Stage 2b architectural report from the school authority for review outlining the detailed design drawings and specifications within the agreed project budget and incorporating any conditions arising from statutory approval.

Once the Stage 2b report is received from the school authority and evaluated by Department’s professional and technical team, the tender and construction stages will follow in due course.

It is now a matter for the school authority to advance this crucial project to the next stage and my Department will maintain communication with the school authority to offer practical advice and support.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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338. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when construction work will commence on a building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40476/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school referred to by the deputy, was approved to enter the department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide one classroom SEN base and one SET under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.

In June 2024 my department granted approval for this project to proceed to Stage 3 Tender stage. In December 2024 a request was received to extend the tendering period, which was subsequently approved by my department.

In June 2025 a Tender report was submitted to my Department which is currently being reviewed. 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 ASA program.

Due to the volume of projects and the review requirements that must be adhered to approve the project to the next stage, it is not possible to give a definitive timeline as to when this review will be complete. Once the review is finalised, department officials will reach out to the school on this very important project.