Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
25. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Education and Youth the latest correspondence her Department has had with a school (details supplied); when all necessary EWS works will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29110/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question.
I am very familiar with St Patrick's in Celbridge, and visited the school following an invitation from you last January.
I have seen first-hand the conditions of the school, and am mindful that it is in temporary accommodation for a number of years.
Following a storm event in January 2026, my Department directly engaged project managers and contractors to address the immediate issues at the school in question.
Works being carried out include internal remediation works to floors, fire doors and water damaged areas; ongoing drainage clearance and the installation of a new boiler. Two temporary modular classrooms have also been provided.
The remaining issues are being addressed as part of an extensive programme of works that is ongoing. The ongoing presence of the project managers on site ensures that the school is kept up to date on the sequencing and progression of works. Good progress is being made, including over the recent Easter school holiday period, and there is good feedback from the school regarding same.
The Department has also advised the school authority about the importance of having a good maintenance regime in place given that significant water ingress issues arose due to blocked gutters, blocked drains, and an underfloor water leak from the heating system.
The Deputy will be aware that a new school building for the school is also being progressed as part of the Department's design pipeline. This will be part of a three school campus. The project is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural design process, which involves developing the detailed design, preparing full cost plans, and preparing for submission for planning permission. The project is devolved to the National Development Finance Agency for delivery. A meeting between the Department, NDFA, Design Team and schools to review the Stage 2a designs and overall report was held in recent days.
