97. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 17 September 2019, if tenders have now been invited for the project; the closing date for receipt of tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43897/19]

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy has recently completed Stage 2(b) of architectural planning and has been progressed to tender stage.

My Department understands from the Design Team Leader that tenders have been sought for the appointment of a Building Contractor. The closing date for completed tenders is late November.

When the tender process has been completed and the tender report received and considered my Department will revert directly to the school regarding progression of the project to construction stage.

A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.