105. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; the projected completion timeline for this project;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40780/26]

The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my department’s pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide twelve general classrooms, one science laboratory with preparation area, one art room, one music room, two multimedia rooms, a two classroom special educational needs (SEN) base and staff room. The project was devolved to the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board for delivery.

This project is currently at Stage 1 (preliminary design). My department currently awaits the submission of the Stage 1 report. On submission of this report, my department will carry out a detailed review from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall programme.

It is not possible to provide indicative timelines for progression at this stage, as advancement is contingent on a range of factors, many of which are outside the Department’s control. In particular, the planning process, with responsibility resting with the relevant planning authority to assess applications in accordance with statutory requirements. The duration and outcome of this process can vary and may have a significant impact on overall project progression.

Furthermore, as the preliminary Stage 1 report has not yet been received, and the Department is currently awaiting this documentation. Until such time as this report is available and assessed, it is not feasible to provide a timeline.