149. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the large-scale accommodation project for a school (details supplied). [74577/26]

The project referred to by the Deputy represents an important element of the Department of Education and Youth’s overall school building programme.

This project is being delivered under the Department's Major Devolved Programme which works with external delivery partners to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.

The project has been devolved for delivery to Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).

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. As you may be aware, the Stage 2b report was submitted to the department and is undergoing a detailed technical and cost review in line with Infrastructure Guidelines.

This month, department officials contacted the school to advise that the project remains under review in the context of NDP parameters and the overall prioritisation of capital investment.

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 timing of a project moving from one stage to the next requires careful planning and takes account of factors such as compliance with all scope, design and cost requirements; timing of affordability; and the prioritisation necessary for the school building programme to remain within agreed annual funding allocations.

Department officials will continue to engage with the school authorities over the coming months and to provide any necessary guidance.

It is expected that the next tranche of projects to proceed to tender 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 late 2026/early 2027), opportunities for phased development to prioritise the most urgent accommodation needs and consultation with patrons and management bodies.

The project for Oaklands Community College will be considered as part of the prioritisation process, along with all other projects at the required stage of readiness.