Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
286. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the proposed additional ASD special classes at a school (details supplied); the reason for any delay in progressing these classes where approval has reportedly been indicated; the expected timeline for delivery; and the steps being taken to ensure sufficient ASD class provision in the area given the clear and growing demand. [48550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy has been approved for inclusion in the Department’s pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, for a project comprising two special educational needs classrooms. The delivery of this project has been devolved to the school authority.
A Stage 2b (Detailed Design) report was submitted to the Department in Q2 2026 and is currently under review. In line with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines, all projects are subject to the necessary technical and cost assessment as part of this process. Given the complexity of the evaluation and the need to ensure full cost compliance and alignment with the National Development Plan, this review is necessarily thorough.
Department officials have engaged with the school authority regarding the status of the project. However, it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive timeline, as progression to the next phase is contingent on the outcome of the review and the project’s alignment with the prioritisation framework under the National Development Plan.
