60. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 17 June 2026, the progress made to date of her Department’s assessment of the scope of works necessary for ensuring access to a green area for schools (details supplied); the more cost-effective solutions are currently being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51362/26]

The major building project to deliver 3 schools as an educational campus in Carrigtwohill, (Carrigtwohill Community College, Scoil Mhuire Naofa Carrigtwohill, and Scoil Cliodhna Community National School), was delivered as part of my Department's Design & Build programme in Q4 2023.

As the deputy is aware, given the nature of the site a flooding specialist was procured as part of the planning process for this campus project, and a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), Maintenance Plan and Flood Response Plan were provided. These essential flood maintenance and response measures have been included as part of the overall campus delivery.

Planning permission was granted by Cork County Council for an entrance and access way to the adjacent bunded green area/attenuation basin for use by the schools as an occasional recreational green area.

While a scope of work and the associated costs had previously been received in my department for the proposed works to provide access to the green area, on initial review, it is the department’s recommendation that a more cost-effective solution be considered and resubmitted for further consideration. This is currently underway.

Once the scope of works and cost to provide the access and entrance are received, reviewed and agreed by the department, procurement of a contractor to complete the works can be undertaken. Until this scope of works is agreed it is not possible to give a timeline for completion.

At present, my department cannot guarantee that the green area at the campus will be available to the schools for use for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.

On completion of the works, my department intend that the lands be handed over to Cork Education & Training Board to manage and maintain.

My department continues to have positive and productive engagement with the three schools and their patrons throughout all stages of this project and will continue to support the schools on the new school campus.