Schools Building Projects
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-10
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Timmy Dooley (FF), Clare

I can see the Senator is passionate about this project, as he is about many issues. It is clear that because of the historical context, all concerned are anxious that it is done correctly. That is why the contract is under way for the enabling works and all of that. Like many projects it is on a journey now that will be irrevocable in terms of the staging. It has reached significant milestones and from my experience both in here and in the other House over 23 or 24 years, when projects get on that pathway, sometimes it takes a bit longer because of funding that has to be assigned based on various prioritisations, but once it gets through that first significant gate it is a significant step. It is now on a journey that we all hope will progress as judiciously and as expeditiously as possible. It will give the Senator and the community there these facilities. From my experience in my own area I know that the fact that part of the focus is on special needs adds considerably to the prioritisation because the Government has been very clear in terms of what our focus is on education generally but more specifically on children with special needs and ensuring that they get every resource possible to assist them on their journey. Together with everything else the Senator identified, that gives a significant boost to what will be a protracted journey. It is moving in the right direction.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-10/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:02+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-10