1443. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on all school capital projects in Galway East, including new school buildings, extensions, refurbishments and other works currently being undertaken or planned by her Department, in tabular form; the current status of each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59078/26]

My department is delivering significant projects in Galway East and continues to progress further important projects through the pipeline.

Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has provided in the region of €140 million in capital funding for schools in Galway East constituency. Over this period, a total of 46 schools in Galway East have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation.

There are currently 13 projects on site across Galway East including a new school building for Gort NS. A further 5 projects are at tender stage, including new school buildings for SN Seosamh Naofa, Gaelscoil Riada and Coláiste an Eachréidh. In addition, 15 large-scale and additional accommodation projects are progressing through the design pipeline: 7 at Developed Design (Stage 2a), and 8 at Detailed Design (Stage 2b).

There are also a further 12 projects underway through the Modular Programme and the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. Additionally, 14 special classes have been sanctioned in Galway East for September 2026.

Priority projects at earlier stages of the pipeline continue to be advanced, with particular emphasis on special schools, schools operating entirely in interim accommodation, projects providing significant special education capacity, additional accommodation to meet demographic growth, and schools with the most pressing building condition issues.

The Department is targeting 2027 for the publication of the next tranche of priority projects to proceed to tender. To be considered, projects will have to be at an appropriate stage of readiness. Prioritisation will be informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, available funding, and, where relevant, findings from the Department's school estate energy and condition survey, which is due to be completed by the end of this year.

The current status of all projects is set out under item number ten at the following link (www.gov.ie). This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

School Building Projects in construction in Galway East

* projects include in the first tranche of 105 projects

Large Scale & Additional School Accommodation projects progressing through the pipeline in Galway East

* projects include in the first tranche of 105 projects

Climate Action Summer Works Scheme projects in Galway East