Written Answers Nos. 68-85
68. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to outline all capital investments, if any made by her Department in the constituency of Louth East Meath since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45396/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, my department has invested over €5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 950 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 350 other projects, which includes 37 new school buildings. These 350 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.5bn.
The department announced earlier this year that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, would be authorised to proceed from tender stage to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in this latest phase, investments by the Department of Education are adding over 550,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities, right around the country.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector include:
• demographic growth, particularly at post primary level
• increased demand for special educational needs provision
• alignment of school place provision with new housing development
• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
Also, significant funding has been provided to schools through the Minor Works and Enhanced Minor Works grants. Since 2020, €280 million in Minor Works funding has issued to schools, which includes the Minor Works grant that issued in April 24 for the school year 2024/25.
From 2020 to date over €250m has been provided to schools in ICT grants of which €50m issued in April 2024.
During the period 2020 to 2024 circa €400m invested in smaller scale school building improvements delivering circa. 2,900 projects across the Summer Works & Emergency Works schemes.
The current status of all school building projects from 2010 to date is listed on a county by county basis at (www.gov.ie) . This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
The total capital funding allocated by my department since 2020, to the two constituency areas referred to by the deputy, is outlined in the table below.
|
Total Capital Funding by Constituency area |
||||||
|
Constituency |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
Total |
|
Louth |
16.7m |
41.6m |
31.3m |
21.0m |
20.7m |
131.3m |
|
Meath East |
32.0m |
41.3m |
24.7m |
28.0m |
17.2m |
143.2m |
69. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm that the planned modular accommodation for a school (details supplied) will be delivered and will be operational by late August 2025 and that it will meet the capacity needs of the college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45417/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers, has a major project ongoing which is devolved for delivery to Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).
The execution of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between my Department and GRETB is currently being arranged. Once the SLA is in place, the ETB will procure a design team for the project to design the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions, and move the project onward to tender and construction in due course.
My Department are aware of enrolment pressures in the school planning area at present and are currently engaging directly with the patron regarding interim accommodation needs which are required to be in place for the 25/26 academic year.
70. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the status of the planned permanent extension to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45418/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved for delivery to Galway and Roscommon ETB. (GRETB)
The execution of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between my Department and Galway and Roscommon ETB, which is currently being arranged, will be the next and last step in finalising this brief. Once the SLA is in place, the ETB will procure a design team for the project to design the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions, and move the project onward to tender and construction in due course.
At this early stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project.
71. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais liosta a sholáthar de na scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge nua-oscailte ó 2020 ar aghaidh ag leibhéal na bunscoile agus na hiar-bhunscoile; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45463/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFaigh iniata na sonraí iarrtha.
Tá obair ar siúl i mo roinn faoi láthair chun polasaí nua a fhorbairt don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Agus an polasaí nua á fhorbairt againn, beidh iniúchadh á dhéanamh ar bhealaí inar féidir cur leis an soláthar don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge.
72. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 23 October 2024, if she will clarify what exactly the design tender is, referred to in her previous reply; where that tender can be viewed; the timescale for tenders to close; the likely timescale for the design work on the promised school to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45465/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tender referred to by the Deputy relates to the procurement of the multi-disciplinary design team consultants to provide design services for the development of the schools' design as part of Phase 1 of the ADAPT 4 delivery programme. The tender documents were published on E-Tenders as required under Public Procurement Procedures.
The tender competition is due to close before the end of the year and it is anticipated that design team consultants will be appointed in early Q1 2025. Following appointment of the design team in early Q1 2025, the project will commence Stage 1 Preliminary Design. The design team will then progress the project through the Design Stages.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 24 October 2024, if she will ensure that a teaching post is retained in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45470/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain published criteria.
The school referred to by the Deputy was successful in their appeal to the March meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board and was informed that the additional post was provisional on the school achieving an enrolment of 78 on 30 September 2024. The school did not achieve the required enrolment and so the school was informed that the post would be suppressed at the end of October, in accordance with the arrangements for provisional posts set out in the primary staffing arrangements.
The school submitted a further appeal to the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board but the appeal was deemed ineligible as the school’s appeal did not meet the eligibility criteria for appeal. The appeal criteria which requires schools to reach the required enrolment by last day of term in December applies only to those schools which were allocated a Projected Enrolment Post which is not the case with this school. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The primary staffing schedule is a long-standing feature of the primary allocation system which ensures fairness and transparency in the allocation of mainstream class teachers across our primary schools. It is an important feature of the primary schedule that staffing levels remain aligned with actual student numbers in schools. The staffing appeals process is in place to allow schools the opportunity to appeal their teacher allocation, ensuring fairness and consistency.
74. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45479/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy, is included in my Department’s construction programme which will be delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040.
The project is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award. The next step for the project will be the authorisation to proceed to the award stage on completion of the Reserved Specialists tender report review.
We will be in contact with the school authority when this review is complete.
75. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs on the permanent site at Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.
The project currently has planning permission and is, along with a number of other projects, being brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of the Department’s project manager. The process of appointing the Design Team from the Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is progressing to the completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation. The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3 tender stage.
Projects are subject to relevant due diligence at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters. My Department will continue to keep the school updated as the project progresses.
76. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45481/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45485/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 80 together.
The large scale capital project for the schools referred to by the Deputy, is included in my Department’s construction programme which will be delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040.
The project brief for the schools Campus, includes the phased construction of two 16 classroom primary schools with a PE hall for the post primary school.
The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 - Construction.
Works commenced on site in September 2024 with an estimated contract duration of 20 months.
77. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45482/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe joint major building project for the schools referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design, where the Design Team secure all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents.
My Department met with both schools and their Design Team in December 2022 to discuss proposed changes to the school design as additional classrooms for children with special educational needs were approved for both schools.
The Design Team submitted a revised design option for my Departments’ review, and an architectural design workshop was held in September 2023.
The Design Team have submitted further revisions to their design options which are under ongoing review. Department officials have recently visited the school site and comments will shortly issue to the Design Team for their consideration.
Once agreement is reached on the proposed design by all Stakeholders, the Design Team will proceed to prepare a revised Stage 2(b) Submission including a new Planning Permission application, and other statutory applications, along with a revised suite of Tender documents.
On receipt and review of the revised Stage 2(b) Submission, my Department will be in further contact with the School Authorities in relation to project progression.
78. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; if a commencement date is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45483/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 - Construction.
Works commenced on site in August 2024 with an estimated contract duration of 36 months.
79. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45484/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project for the school referred to by the Deputy when complete will provide a new 16 classroom primary school building and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs on the permanent site for the school.
The planning application was submitted to the local authority on 20th December 2023. A Request for Further Information (RFI) was received from the local authority on 22nd February 2024. The Department’s Project Manager and its Design Team are currently finalising a response to the RFI for submission to the local authority.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent school and to provide any updates in relation to progress on the school building project.
81. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45486/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major project referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Departments ADAPT Programme.
ADAPT is an acronym for "Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering". The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe during the stages of architectural planning.
The project had previously been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This school was in the bundle referred to as Project Lee.
The brief for Adamstown Castle ETNS is for the development of a new build 32 classroom primary school with a 4 class SEN base, including a GP Hall and other ancillary accommodation on a new site at Tandy’s Lane Village in Adamstown.
A replacement Design Team has been appointed, and an initial briefing meeting between the Programme Manager, School Authorities, Design Team, and Department officials took place in April 2024.
The outgoing Design Team had submitted an amended planning application to the Local Authority, and grant of planning has been received, with 9 conditions.
My Department has received the handover of all design documentation related to the project from the outgoing design team. Following receipt of this information and a due diligence review, the replacement design team have commenced Stage 2(b) Detailed Design, which will include the preparation of the Stage 2(b) report and tender documents. The Design Team have also submitted the Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Cert applications to South Dublin County Council. Upon completion of the Stage 2(b) report, it will be submitted to my Department for review.
The Programme Manager and Design Team will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep them informed of progress during Stage 2(b).
82. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe joint major building project for the schools referred to by the Deputy is currently at the initial stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team assess the site and current school buildings and prepare their initial sketch schemes. A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out, will be established during this early stage.
Following the Stage 1 Stakeholders meeting, the Stage 1 Addendum report was received from the Design Team.
The Department have recently completed their due diligence review and have issued comments to the Design Team for their consideration.
Once the Design Team have reverted to the Department in relation to the comments on the Stage 1 Addendum report, the school authorities will be advised of the further progression of the project.
83. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; when the project is expected to reach the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45488/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme as a campus project and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs on the ETB-owned site at Fortunestown Lane.
A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued to the successful contractor on 28th of June 2024, which allowed the contractor to mobilise to site. The works on site are progressing and the project is being delivered on a phased basis.
84. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education to provide information regarding new ASD classes due to open in schools at both primary and secondary levels in the Dublin mid-west constituency in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45489/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide. The attached table provides a list of the location of the 542 Autism classes in operation in the Dublin area for the 2024/25 school year. This is broken into 404 at primary level and 138 at post-primary, in addition, there are 19 Autism Early Intervention classes in the county.
Almost 1,700 classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE in recent years, 11 new special schools have also been established and many more expanded. For this school year alone over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to 3,337.
603 of these classes are in County Dublin, 70 are new for the 2024/25 school year, 48 at primary level and 22 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.
Budget 2025 provides funding for another 400 special classes and 300 special school places nationwide and it is estimated that a similar level of provision will be needed each year for the next 3 years.
The NCSE have recruited additional special education needs organisers (SENOs), advisors and team managers. A total of 120 SENOs now operate nationwide, 28 of these are operating solely in County Dublin. SENOs play an important role in ensuring there is adequate special educational provision within local areas and are currently visiting schools nationwide to conduct planning meetings. These visits will be key in terms of forward planning for the 2025/26 school year.
85. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if there are plans by her Department to open a new special school in the Dublin mid-west constituency in order to meet demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45490/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
As announced last month by myself and Minister Foley, there are two new special school planned for Dublin along with three others in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary for the 2025/26 school year. The exact location, size of the schools and other details are currently being worked through.
These schools will provide for children and young people with complex special education needs up to 18 years of age. They are being sanctioned as early as possible as part of advanced forward planning for the next school year to ensure that appropriate placements are available where needed to meet the needs of students with special educational needs.
The announcement of these schools is a significant step forward. Part of the forward planning process looks at how far students are travelling to access an education appropriate to their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision making process. In addition, information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics and other statistical data also forms part of the process. NCSE knowledge of the need for special school places at local level is a key element also.
The early announcement of the new schools is an important milestone because it allows more time for the planning of school admissions, recruitment of staff, staff training and completion of necessary building works.
It is envisaged that existing buildings will be repurposed to facilitate the opening of the new special schools for the 2025/26 school year. Further details such as the precise location of the new schools in each county will be confirmed in due course as part of the finalisation of arrangements for the opening of the new special schools.
Dedicated working groups will be established to support the establishment of each of the new special schools.
