Written answer
Schools Building Projects
The 1,000-pupil school project is at detailed design; tender timing depends on 2027 project prioritisation, with officials continuing consultation with the school and patron.
100. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the provision of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied); the basis for the delay in advancing this project; and if she will facilitate a meeting with school management to allow them to outline their concerns regarding the delay. [73605/26]
Comment on this
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under the Department's Design and Build Programme which uses a professional external Programme Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender, and construction.
The project will provide a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school, including four classrooms for children with special educational needs, at the permanent school site in Abilene.
The project is currently at Stage 2b, Detailed Design. During this stage, statutory approvals are obtained and the project design is further progressed to reflect any conditions of planning. Planning permission was received from An Bord Pleanála on 25 October 2023. The next stage for this school building project is tender stage.
It is expected that the next tranche of projects to proceed to tender under the National Development Plan will be published in 2027.
Prioritisation will continue over the coming months to identify this next tranche of projects.
This will be informed by latest available demographic and capacity data, the department’s energy and condition inventory (the validation of which is due to be completed by early 2027), opportunities for phased development to prioritise the most urgent accommodation needs and consultation with school patrons and management bodies.
All school building projects, as they progress through the pipeline, must undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework.
The accommodation requirements for this school for the 2027/28 school year and future years are currently under review as part of ongoing regular consultation with the school's patron body.
Department officials will continue to engage with the patron and the school over the coming months and provide any necessary guidance.