Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
1422. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the building project for a school (details supplied); if a permanent site has been identified; the current stage of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently planned to be delivered as part of Phase 2 of my Department's ADAPT 4 Programme - Programme Innovate.
The proposed development is for a 1000 pupil secondary school plus 6 classrooms for children with special educational needs.
As part of planning ahead, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward.
As part of this forward planning, the projects to be included as part of Phase 2 ADAPT 4 Programme are currently being assessed by department officials. Upon completion of this process, procurement of the IPT's (Integrated Project Teams) may progress.
The ADAPT 4 Programme uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Integrated Project Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
Integrated Project Teams (IPT's) consist of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €289.03 million in capital funding for Wicklow schools. Over this period, a total of 45 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 9 school projects in Wicklow under construction.
This summer, 6 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 79 special classes have been sanctioned in Wicklow, of which 16 were sanctioned for September 2026.
