Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
196. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update and a timeline on the provision of additional school places at primary and post-primary schools in Ballincollig, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53815/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe link below sets out an updated list of live school building projects in the Ballincollig School Planning Area (SPA), including their current stage of delivery and project brief.
Furthermore since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €818.82 million in capital funding for Cork schools of which circa €35m is in the Ballincollig area.
During this period a total of 171 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. Looking ahead 12 school projects in Cork are included in the National Development Plan (NDP) Implementation Plan and are expected to progress to tender or construction during 2026 and 2027.
There are currently 17 school projects in Cork under construction while 35 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 376 special classes has been sanctioned in Cork, of which 70 were sanctioned for September 2026.
As with all school building projects, the Ballincollig school building projects will be considered within the context of overall programme prioritisation and National Development Plan (NDP) funding parameters.
The progression of a project from one stage to the next is determined by a range of factors, including demographic trends, school accommodation requirements, compliance with technical and cost criteria, programme prioritisation outcomes, and affordability within annual NDP funding allocations and overall programme requirements. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline for progression at this stage.
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 requirements, 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.
The projects in the Ballincollig school planning area will continue to be considered within the framework of this overall programme management approach.
