1152. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth the next steps she will take for a school (details supplied); to outline a timetable for the commencement of construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55425/26]

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is assigned to my Departments Design & Build delivery programme which uses a professional external Programme Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender, and construction.

The project is currently at Stage 3 – Tender Award Stage. The date for return of completed tenders was 27th March 2026. Tenders are currently being assessed by the Programme Manager team and on completion, the Programme Manager will issue their tender report to my department for review.

Due diligence by my department is a critical part of the overall completion of the Stage 3 process and is essential to ensuring quality and value for money, and that projects are progressed within overall budgetary parameters.

Upon completion of the tender process, an indictive timeframe of the completion of the new school building for Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School would be confirmed.

The new school building for Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School is one of the priority projects for my department.

My department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated on progress.