214. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when written confirmation will issue authorising a project (details supplied) to proceed with Stage 2A; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38963/24]

The school to which the Deputy refers, was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide a new primary school building. The project has been devolved for delivery to Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).

The Department met MSLETB, its design team, and the school authority on 15 January 2024. The purpose of this meeting was to review the Stage 1 architectural report. The outcome of this meeting was that the Department instructed MSLETB and its design team to progress this project to stage 2a of the architectural design process, subject to the incorporation of all comments made by the Department’s professional and technical team. This face to face communication of stage progression is an integral feature of my Department's major devolved projects' process and affords the school authority and its design team an opportunity to clarify any issues directly with my Department's professional officials in particular. For the avoidance of any doubt, my Department has again confirmed and in writing to MSLETB that this important major project was approved to progress to Stage2a of the architectural process.