1183. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 16 July 2026, the further progress made to date in providing the use of a green area by schools (details supplied); if this green area will be made accessible to students by the end of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60937/26]

The major building project to deliver 3 schools as an educational campus in Carrigtwohill, was delivered as part of my Department's Design and Build programme in Q4 2023.

A separate 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.

A scope of works and the associated costs had previously been received in my Department for the proposed works, but on review, it is my Department's recommendation that a more cost-effective solution be developed and resubmitted for further consideration.

Meetings between the programme manager and the contractors design team have been held at the site over the summer period and the revised scope of works and costings are expected to be submitted shortly to my Department for review. Upon receipt, review and agreement by my Department, procurement of a contractor to complete the works can be undertaken.

Until then, it is not possible to give a timeline for commencement of the works and the timeline for completion, which will facilitate student access to the bunded green area.

On completion of the works, my Department intend that the lands be handed over to Cork Education and 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.