Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
543. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education for an update on the timings for the permanent extension at a school (details supplied) which was initially due to be finished for September 2024 and has not commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15196/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has a modular project and a traditional construction project in the pipeline for the school in question.
Following consultation between my Department and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board (DDLETB), the patron of the school in question, it was agreed in early 2021 to increase the capacity of the school to 1,500 places. There was no time frame determined for this increase but it was expected that there would be a gradual increase in enrolments over a number of years.
In order to facilitate an initial increase in enrolments, modular accommodation of 4 x Mainstream Classrooms, 2 x Science laboratories and additional toilets was provided at the school in 2022. As a result of continued engagement between my Department and DDLETB it was agreed to provide further modular accommodation at the school for the 2024/25 school year. This accommodation includes reconfiguration within the school building to provide two special education classrooms and modular accommodation consisting of two science laboratories (for displacement) and one prep area, and four x mainstream classrooms. This accommodation is being provided under the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework. Initial approval issued to the school for this accommodation in February. A subsequent phase two traditional construction project to deliver the remaining accommodation has been agreed by DDLETB and is currently with the department’s Technical team for project typing and costing.
In relation to the time frame for commencement of procurement for the phase two permanent extension, the department is not in a position to guarantee a definitive timeline. As the Deputy will appreciate the progress of the project depends on a multitude of factors such as any identified technical challenges, statutory consents, procurement etc., many of which are outside of the department's control.
My Department continues to work closely with DDLETB to advance both of these projects as quickly as possible.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. There is a large number of modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
I can assure the Deputy that my department is very cognisant of the urgency around the delivery of accommodation for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible. The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider school planning area for future years.
