Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
566. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the average duration, as opposed to indicative timelines, that schools spend at each stage of the delivery process for projects under the School Building Programme; to provide a comparison of these durations with the time spent by a specified list of schools (details supplied) at each stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department prioritises projects to balance urgency, equity, and available resources, ensuring that investments are sustainable, phased appropriately, and provide maximum value for money.
Project progression depends on a range of factors, including the readiness of individual projects, planning approvals, land availability, and within the context of NDP funding parameters.
Regular monitoring and updates are provided to maintain transparency and support informed decision-making across the school estate.
The timing of project progression reflects careful planning to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, align with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework and remain within the parameters of NDP funding.
In moving projects forward, the Department maintains a strong focus on delivering value for money, affordability, and include phasing arrangements where necessary to ensure that spending remains sustainable.
Functionality, long-term suitability, and the specific needs of schools, including special education requirement, are also considered at each stage.
This approach ensures that projects not only progress in a timely manner but also deliver maximum value for money and target priorities of the school estate.
As such, it is impossible to provide a comparison of these durations with the time spent by a specified the schools referred to by the Deputy at each stage of the Major Projects.
