55. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 370 of 7 July 2026, the latest developments in relation to the new school build for a school (details supplied). [53957/26]

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered as part of my Department’s ADAPT Programme.

The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.

The new building will provide purpose-built accommodation for students with special educational needs, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years. This will comprise of 20 mainstream classrooms, along with additional specialised rooms including Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, a Library, GP Room, Dining Space, Sensory Room, dedicated therapy rooms and all associated ancillary accommodation. The accommodation will take into consideration the specific needs of the students of Scoil Chiaráin.

The project is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.

Following the withdrawal of the first placed Tenderer, the procurement process is ongoing.

My Department is working closely with the school authority and the Design Team regarding the completion of this process. The next step is the authorisation to issue the Letter of Intent. Once the Letter of Intent issues, there is a minimum 14-day standstill period before there can be further progression of the project. The period between Letter of Intent and Letter of Acceptance varies depending on the project.

Department officials will keep the school authorities updated on progress and next steps.

Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €1.9 billion in capital funding for Dublin schools. Over this period, a total of 261 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 20 school projects to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 were included in the NDP Implementation Plan.. There are currently 54 school projects in Dublin under construction.

This summer, 53 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.

In addition, since 2020 a total of 515 special classes have been sanctioned in Dublin, of which 114 were sanctioned for September 2026.