Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

304. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the extension of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50006/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural planning- Stage 2B (Detailed Design) on the Department's ADAPT Programme.

The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.

The brief for the Major Project is to provide a new extension to increase the current accommodation to 1000 pupils and the provision of additional classrooms for Students with Special Educational Needs.

The stage 2B submission report was received by the Department and following a review, comments were issued to the Design Team.

In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.

The department is now preparing an NDP implementation plan which is due for publication later in the Autumn. This plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.