Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2026
195. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the long-awaited building extension at a school (details supplied) has not gone to tender and construction; and the actions she will take to ensure no further delays. [69853/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the Deputy is devolved for delivery to Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
The project brief includes an extension to provide an additional 7 mainstream classrooms and 2 special education classrooms.
The project is currently at Stage 2b which allows for detailed design/planning (to reflect any conditions of planning), obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. The Stage 2b report has been submitted to the department. The project remains under review in the context of NDP parameters and the overall prioritisation of capital investment.
LCETB, as Devolved Delivery Body, will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
As I am sure you will appreciate, all school building projects, as they progress through the pipeline, must undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework.
The timing of a project moving from one stage to the next requires careful planning and takes account of factors such as compliance with all scope, design and cost requirements; timing of affordability; and the prioritisation necessary for the school building programme to remain within agreed annual funding allocations.
I have asked my department officials to continue their engagement with the school over the coming months and to provide any necessary guidance.
It is expected that the next tranche of projects to proceed to tender will be published in 2027. Prioritisation will continue over the coming months to identify this next tranche of projects. This will be informed by latest available demographic and capacity data, the department’s energy and condition inventory (the validation of which is due to be completed by late 2026/early 2027), opportunities for phased development to prioritise the most urgent accommodation needs and consultation with patrons and management bodies.
The project for Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg will be considered as part of the prioritisation process, along with all other projects at the required stage of readiness.
