338. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the major capital project for a school (details supplied); the stage the project has reached under her Department's Capital Appraisal Process; the timeframe within which it is expected to progress to the next stage; whether it is being considered for inclusion in the next tranche of school building projects advancing to construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50939/26]

339. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether priority will be afforded to school building projects that have secured planning permission and include significant expansion of special educational needs and ASD accommodation; if a school (details supplied) falls within this category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50940/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.

The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme to provide a two class-room special educational needs (SEN) base, two special education tuition (SET) rooms, one technology room and preparation area, one project store, two science labs and preparation area, one design and communication graphics (DCG) room, one home economics room, one textiles room, one multi-media room and ancillary.

This project is currently at Stage 2b (Detailed Design). The Department is awaiting submission of the Stage 2b report from the school authority. Upon receipt, the Department will undertake a detailed review of the proposal.

In accordance with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines, all projects are subject to technical and cost assessments at this stage. Given the complexity of the project and the requirement to ensure value for money, cost compliance, and alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP), the review process will necessarily be comprehensive and thorough.

The accommodation needs at this school will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities. Progression of this project will form part of my Department’s broader work under the NDP Implementation Plan. At this point, while it is not possible to provide indicative timelines for advancement to further stages, the project remains under active review and will be progressed when the wider implementation framework permits.