Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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79. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a school (details supplied) where children were offered places for September 2025 and the classroom is not available yet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59748/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school referred to by the Deputy is expanding its enrolment for the 2025/26 school year. As the school’s existing accommodation cannot facilitate additional pupils, it is necessary to undertake repurposing works to modular accommodation on the school site to provide further capacity and make it suitable for children with special education needs.

Planning permission for these works is required. On 10th October 2025, Kildare County Council issued a notice of decision to grant planning permission for the retention of existing accommodation on the school site and for repurposing works to the modular accommodation. There is a statutory period of 4 weeks to allow for any appeals to this decision to grant. Subject to no objections, the final grant of permission will be issued by Kildare County Council at the end of this period. Repurposing works will commence as soon as the final grant of permission has issued from the Council. It is intended that the works will then be completed by December.

The project has been devolved to the school patron, Kildare Wicklow ETB for delivery. The patron has made contingency arrangements for the pupils pending the completion of the repurposing works and will keep the families updated on the progress of these works. The priority is to ensure that the accommodation is made available for the children as soon as possible.