Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
104. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a full list of all school building projects currently at Stage 2A and Stage 2B in County Cork, including the school name, roll number, project description, current stage and expected timeline for progression, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53894/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, the Department of Education has provided over €800 million in capital funding for Cork schools. Over this period, a total of 171 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a school extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 17 Schools in Cork under construction.
Twelve further school project will go to tender or construction in 2026 or 2027, and this summer, 35 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. In addition to this 70 special classes are sanctioned for September 2026.
There are currently 47 projects progressing through Stage 2a of the architectural planning process in County Cork, reflecting solid momentum within the county’s school building pipeline. All projects continue to undergo detailed technical and cost assessment in line with Government Infrastructure Guidelines, with progression managed carefully across the wider capital programme. Department officials have recently intensified engagement with schools whose Stage 2a reports have been under examination for some time, ensuring each project is fully considered within overall prioritisation and programme management. Projects already at Stage 2a are strongly positioned for progression to Stage 2b, which will continue on a rolling basis within available capital funding and in line with key priorities such as special education needs and maximising accommodation capacity. Urgent accommodation requirements will continue to be met through mechanisms including the SEN Repurposing Scheme, modular accommodation and the Emergency Works Scheme.
The Department is targeting 2027 for the publication of the next tranche of priority projects to proceed to tender. Projects will need to be at an appropriate stage of readiness to be considered as part of the next tranche.
Prioritisation will be informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, available funding, and, where relevant, findings from the Department's school estate energy and condition survey, which is due to be completed by the end of this year.
In relation to the specific questions raised by the Deputy, it is important to note that the status of all projects is set out at www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
