Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 July 2025
1273. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the new school building for Gaelscoil Uí Earcáin in Finglas; the anticipated timeline for delivery; and if an appropriate site location has been secured. [44004/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the 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 to provide a new replacement 16 classroom primary school plus accommodation for pupils with special educational needs at the existing site in Finglas. The current school building will remain in operation until the replacement school is delivered and will be demolished thereafter.
The Department has reviewed the Stage 2(a) Submission. The Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting between the School Authorities, Design Team, Project Manager, and the Department, was held on 15th January 2025. The meeting concluded with a request for the Design Team to submit a Stage 2(a) Addendum report addressing issues raised by the Department at the meeting.
The Department have recently received the Stage 2(a) Addendum report. Upon review of the Stage 2(a) Addendum report, the Department will advise all Stakeholders regarding the further progression of the project.
As you are aware the Government has now concluded the review of the National Development Plan which sets out the capital allocations for each Government Department for the 2026 to 2030 period.
The NDP outcome involves an allocation of €7.55bn for the Department of Education & Youth for the 2026 to 2030 period. I intend to prioritise investment in special education and school places as part of €7.55 Billion in funding for 2026-2030.
Each Department is now tasked to develop implementation plans based on their NDP Allocations. Our target will be to have this done and published in the Autumn. This will involve the Department’s Planning & Building Unit undertaking a review and analysis to determine the optimum outputs to be achieved from the €7.55bn allocation with a strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and in relation to project delivery ensuring a continued focus on affordability, value for money and functionality.
