42. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on a new school build (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52567/26]

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is now at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals, which have been secured, and the preparation of tender documents.

The brief for the project is to provide a new 16 classroom primary school with an additional classrooms for pupils with special educational needs.

My Department received the Stage 2b submission report from the Design Team in March 2025. My Department commenced a detailed review of this report by the multi disciplinary team and comments were issued to the Design Team requesting clarification. The Design Team have addressed these comments and the responses to those queries are currently under ongoing detailed review.

Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €272.83 million in capital funding for Galway schools. Over this period, a total of 89 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 10 school projects to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 were included in the NDP Implementation Plan. There are currently 18 school projects in Galway under construction.

This summer, 20 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.

In addition, since 2020 a total of 110 special classes have been sanctioned in Galway, of which 32 were sanctioned for September 2026.