Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
213. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the status of the works at a school (details supplied) for the provision of modular units on site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43940/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department approved the provision of a Technology Room, a Construction room plus associated preparation area, 3 Mainstream Classrooms and reconfiguration of existing internal classrooms to form two Special Education Needs (SEN) classes.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The Department has a significant modular accommodation programme in place to assist schools in the provision of additional capacity, including in respect of facilitating the establishment of special classes.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
Works have commenced on site for the project referred to. My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this project and continues to work closely with the school authority and its project manager in order to ensure this project is completed as soon as possible. The Department is also working closely with school authorities on contingency planning arrangements and putting any necessary supports in place where required.
