210. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has specific plans to amalgamate schools (details supplied). [66216/26]

In reference to the proposed amalgamation of the schools to which the Deputy refers, please be advised that the decision-making authority for any amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned. It is open to any patron to submit proposals to the department for consideration. Any proposed change involves extensive consultation at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system. The Patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised to consider the implications that any amalgamation proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.

Given the complexity of the proposal I can confirm that a feasibility study was commissioned to look at the possibility of redeveloping the first referenced school's campus to facilitate a proposed amalgamation with the second school referenced by the Deputy and a third primary school in the town area referenced. The feasibility report is to explain how the redevelopment could be achieved, while avoiding any decanting off site all while keeping the schools fully operational during construction. Department officials are currently considering the feasibility of the proposal, taking account of existing capacity, projected enrolment trends and the requirements of the wider school planning area. A design solution will attempt to address the collective needs of all three schools and the proposed development of a new educational campus that will benefit them, and the surrounding community.

The Programme for Government recognises the importance of strong capital investment in the school building programme and supporting this with enhanced allocations through the NDP process. The Department will continue to advance school building projects on a prioritised basis, focusing on the most pressing capacity and modernisation requirements. A Department-led prioritisation process will remain in place throughout 2026 and 2027 to assess the progression of projects through the design and delivery pipeline. This process will involve ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, including school patrons and individual schools.

The feasibility study is currently being reviewed and the schools/patron in question will be contacted in due course.