Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
341. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite the additional accommodation application by a school (details supplied) that has been with her Department since 2016 waiting for approval given the oversubscription of post-primary schools in Drogheda, County Louth. [43439/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the school authority under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2019 to enable the school in question to refurbish existing accommodation to provide for 4 general classrooms. 1 Construction Studies room, 1 Technology Studies room with shared prep area, 1 WC for assisted users, 1 SET Room and standard toilets, and to include the removal of 3 prefabs.
In November 2019 the school submitted a Stage 1 (preliminary design) report to my Department for review. The school's design contained items not approved by the Department, and a revised design was requested. The school submitted this revised design in February 2020, but a review of this report highlighted several deficiencies. The school submitted a further revised design in August 2020. Department officials have written to the school outlining non-compliance in this latest design, and a response is awaited by the Department.
