The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the department's pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 3 General Classrooms, 1 Graphics room, 2 Science labs with 1 Prep area, 1 Home Economics room, and a 2 Special Educational Needs (SEN) base. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
In 2021 the school agreed a brief to include the following accommodation in the form of a traditional build; 2 SEN classrooms, 3 general classrooms, 2 science labs + 1 prep area, 1 graphics room and 1 home economics room. In 2022 further funding under the ASA scheme was approved for modular accommodation consisting of 1 SEN classroom and 3 general classrooms to cater for the schools needs pending delivery of their traditional build.
However, in 2023, in agreement with the school, the brief for the modular accommodation was reduced to 1 SEN classroom and 1 general classroom as the school had accommodated general classrooms and a special education classroom within their current building on an interim basis. The revised brief for modular accommodation catered for their second SEN class opening in September 2023 and an additional general classroom.
The Stage 2a Report was recently received by my Department and is being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. Once this review has been completed the department will contact the school authorities with the outcome for the progression of this much needed project.
When the Stage 2a report submission is approved by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals and move the project onward to tender and construction in due course. At this early stage, it is not possible to predict when a significant school building project of this nature will go to construction as progress depends upon many contingent factors that can arise.
My Department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project.
