1158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a major school buildings project could be advanced as a priority (details supplied). [59890/26]

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects (Project Dargle).

The brief allows for an extension and refurbishment of the existing Moate Community School to cater for a long-term projected enrolment of 1000 pupils and includes 4 Special education classrooms.

The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process (pre-tender stage). A full grant of planning permission has been received for the project.

Since 2020, my Department has invested over €7 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,500 school building projects along with circa 4,300 small-scale improvement works to meet priority maintenance needs and advance energy efficiency and climate goal. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation. This investment has delivered real benefits for school communities.

A total capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth has been confirmed for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my Department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.

As part of the NDP Implementation Plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. A further tranche of priority projects is targeted for publication in 2027, informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, funding parameters, and—where relevant—the Department’s energy and condition inventory of the school estate, due for completion by year end.

My department is committed to ensuring appropriate school accommodation is available for all children in the Moate area and will in the wider context outlined ensure that this project – as for all projects on our school building programme is subject to the due diligence required under the public infrastructure guidelines.