270. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on projected improved works for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75224/26]

The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school building projects to provide a two?classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base and central activities room, four Special Education Tuition (SET) rooms, two general classrooms, one graphics room, one home economics room, two science labs and prep area, one construction room and prep area, and one GP dining area plus ancillary. This project has been devolved for delivery to the Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB).

The project is currently at Stage 2a, Developed Design.  During this stage, the project design is further developed, cost planning is progressed and preparations are made to submit the project for statutory approvals.

The Stage 2a, Developed Design report has been submitted to my department and is currently under review from a technical and cost perspective.

In June 2026, department officials contacted the relevant school authority 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 KCETB and will communicate the outcome of the review and any subsequent requirements once consideration of the submission has been finalised.