Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
367. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the expected completion date of the autism spectrum disorders, ASD, accommodation at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13709/14]
View answerThe Major Building Project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b - Detailed Design which includes applications for planning permission, Fire Safety Certification, Disability Access Certification and the preparation of tender documents.
The brief for the project includes provision for an 8 classroom school with an additional 3 classroom ASD Unit with associated withdrawal rooms, central activities space, office and ancillary accommodation.
When the Stage 2b Submission for the project has been received and assessed, my Department will then be in touch with the school authority regarding the potential progression of the project to tender and construction at that time.
Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include the project referred to by the Deputy in the five year construction programme. Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department. The project referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for progression in that context.
However, as an interim measure, in order to meet the immediate accommodation needs at the school, my Department has approved a 100 sq m ASD temporary unit for September 2014.
