Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Questions (152)

John Halligan

Question:

168 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the time frame regarding the construction of permanent structures for schools when the project has been moved on to the architectural planning stage; the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Waterford that was informed that the project has been moved on to the architectural planning stage early in 2011 and which was subsequently visited by his Department in May 2011 and assured at the time that its development would be put forward for tender within weeks, the school is still awaiting a response; the reason for the delay in the architectural department; if there are procedures now in place to streamline the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31011/11]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The school referred to by the Deputy was included in the School Building Works Programme announced early in 2011, for completion of the brief and subsequent appointment of a design team. The brief for the project was concluded earlier this month and the project is now ready for the commencement of a tender process for the appointment of a design team.

The tender process for appointment of a design team usually takes between 4 to 6 months following publication of the invitation to tender. My Department will shortly be in touch with the school regarding the commencement of this process.