Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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543. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will prioritise the construction of a school (details supplied) within its bundle, in light of the severe pressures on school places in the Greystones area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57236/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy, is assigned to my Department’s Design and Build programme.

The Invitation to Tender for Greystones CC issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects issued to the Department's Framework of Design & Build Contractors. Given the scale of works involving new purpose built accommodation for 10 schools, some of which are on campus sites, the tender process involves a very large amount of documentation and drawings and takes approximately 8-12 months. Tender returns have been received and are currently being evaluated.

This bundle comprises 10 school projects which are all flagship projects for their local school communities. Given the magnitude of this large scale investment, this tender evaluation process takes time for the Department's technical staff and project management team to adequately and appropriately analyse. The Department is very conscious of the urgency in getting these projects, including Greystones Community College, delivered as quickly as possible.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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544. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the construction of an extension (details supplied); to outline the process that will apply for its construction; to provide timelines for its construction; if she will expedite this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57237/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy, has been approved a project under my Departments Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. This includes for the provision of 1 general classroom, 1 music room, 1 textiles room, 1 art room, 1 graphics room, 1 multimedia room, 1 science lab, 1 science prep area, 2 technology and shared prep area, and a 3 classroom SEN base.

A Stage 1 report was received and reviewed by my Department officials however as the design submitted was not compliant with the agreed brief, a request for additional information was issued to the school authority in Q4 2023, to facilitate the completion of this stage review. The additional information requested was received in January 2024, and is currently under review.

Whilst this project is devolved to the school authority for delivery, the Department is engaged directly with the school to provide whatever practical assistance and advice is necessary to implement this important project for the wider school community.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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545. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the construction of an extension (details supplied); to outline the process that will apply for its construction; to provide timelines for its construction; if she will expedite this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57238/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This school is in the bundle referred to as ‘Project Boyne’.

The project is currently at Stage 2b (planning) of the architectural process. A planning application was lodged with Wicklow County Council and planning permission was granted in Quarter 4 2022. Further surveys aimed at informing the works requirements for this project were carried out in 2023 and reports are currently being finalised.

Once Stage 2b has been approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction in due course. It is not possible at this stage to provide a completion date for the project in advance of the outcome of the required procurement process. The NDFA will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.