1326. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the additional school accommodation project for a school (detailed supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57747/26]

The school referred to was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing 3 special education classrooms and repurposing works providing 2 special education tuition rooms. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.

I am pleased to confirm that Department officials approved this project to construction and works are ongoing. The Department will continue to actively engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project.

The school was also sanctioned to open a special class for 2026/2027 by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). I am pleased to advise that the start-up grant payment of €30,000 was processed by the Department.

The school submitted an application for additional funding under the SEN Repurposing Small Scale Works Scheme (maximum available funding per classroom of €80,000 inclusive of fees and VAT). This application was reviewed by the Department’s Professional & Technical team and an approval letter for the maximum funding of €80,000 was issued in June 2026. The project is also devolved to the School Authority for delivery.

The current status of all ASA projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/additional-accommodation-scheme/. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, planning, tender and construction.