Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
97. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently advance funding approval for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the deputy is aware, the project remains at stage 1 under review. Given the detailed evaluation requirements, the need to ensure full cost compliance, and alignment with the National Development Plan prioritisation, the Stage 1 technical and cost review process is necessarily thorough.
The accommodation needs of the school will be considered as part of the Department’s ongoing prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and authorities. As the project has not yet progressed beyond Stage 1, it is not currently in a position to advance to tender or construction. Any such progression will be contingent on the successful completion of the review process and advancement through the planning stage, in line with National Development Plan parameters.
The project remains within the overall pipeline of school building projects and will continue to be progressed; however, it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive timeline for advancement.
This must be considered in the context of the significant level of ongoing capital investment across the wider school system, with €149.94 million provided for schools in Kerry since 2020. Over this period, a total of 69 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 3 school projects to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 were included in the NDP Implementation Plan. There are currently 11 school projects in Kerry under construction. This summer, 20 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 70 special classes have been sanctioned in Kerry, of which 17 were sanctioned for September 2026.
