Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
144. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the new school building project (details supplied); the actions she will take to progress this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55637/25]
View answer145. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to significant details in progressing a new school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55638/25]
View answer146. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the basis for the stalling of works in relation to a new school building for (details supplied); if she is conscious of the significant financial outlay made by her Department to the appointed design team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55639/25]
View answer147. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the total level of expenditure to date spent by her Department on the new school building (details supplied); if she is conscious of the need to ensure value for money in the progression of this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55640/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 145, 146 and 147 together.
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning – Developed Design, where the preferred design option is developed to a stage where the project can be fully cost planned, and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
This major project is being delivered under my Departments ADAPT Programme.
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The brief for this project is the development of a new school building on the existing site for 350 pupils plus accommodation for children with special educational needs and all associated siteworks.
On receipt and review of the Stage 2(a) Submission by my Department, the Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting will be arranged between the School Authorities, Design Team, Project Manager, and the Department.
Following that meeting, my Department will advise all Stakeholders regarding the further progression of the project.
Until all statutory applications have been secured, it will not be possible to provide an estimated timeline.
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.
My 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.
The expenditure on this major project is deemed commercially sensitive as it includes expenditure on another school.
