Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
1425. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on a new school building project in a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58907/26]
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 new 8 classroom primary school plus 2 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 individual projects to enter and progress 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, projects to be included as part of Phase 2 of my Departments ADAPT 4 Programme are currently being assessed by department officials. Upon completion of this process, procurement of the IPT's (Integrated Project Teams) from my Departments IPT framework 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.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of this project until such time as the IPT is appointed. Upon appointment, the IPT will begin Stage 1 of Architectural Planning – Preliminary Design (assessment of site and location suitability, and initial sketch scheme).
I would like to advise the Deputy, since 2020, my Department has provided €1,906.47 million in capital funding for Dublin schools. A total of 261 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 20 school projects were included in the NDP Implementation Plan to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027.
There are currently 54 school projects in Dublin under construction. This summer, 53 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
In addition, since 2020 a total of 529 special classes have been sanctioned in Dublin, of which 128 were sanctioned for September 2026.
