Galway School Project Remains Under Department Stage 2b Review Following Planning Approval

A replacement campus for St. Joseph's Patrician College in Galway is undergoing technical and cost reviews following its 2024 planning approval, Minister of State Michael Moynihan confirmed in the Seanad.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Moynihan addressed queries raised by Senator Ollie Crowe regarding the progression of the new school facility at Dangan. Planning permission was granted in 2024 to construct the new school on lands secured through a land swap agreement with the University of Galway. The scheme will provide modern accommodation for 1,000 students, including four classrooms dedicated to special educational needs, alongside on-site sports pitches.

The project has been devolved to the Le Chéile Schools Trust, which appointed a design team to progress the development through detailed design, tendering, and construction phases.

Deputy Moynihan stated that the project is currently at Stage 2b (detailed design) of architectural planning. A Stage 2b report submitted in April 2026 is undergoing detailed technical and cost evaluation under national infrastructure guidelines.

While Senator Crowe called for rapid progression to tender after protracted delays, the Minister of State noted that no delivery timeline can be confirmed at this stage. Deputy Moynihan indicated that the next tranche of school building projects scheduled to advance to tender is expected to be announced in 2027, with the Galway project included within the ongoing prioritisation process.