Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
498. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress on the construction of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Donegal; when it is expected that the project will be tendered for construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32813/15]
View answer499. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the tender criteria which will be used to select a company to carry out the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; if it is expected that a public-private partnership arrangement will be used; if she will ensure that the tender criteria will not include excessive thresholds in relation to the project size of previous work carried out by tendering companies in a manner that would exclude local reputable construction companies from the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32814/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 499 together. The planning application for the school in question is expected to be lodged shortly. The tender process will also commence shortly so that construction can begin as soon as the statutory consents are in place, assuming no issues arise. This urgently needed school building project is being delivered under the Departments "Rapid" Design and Build programme. A Framework of suitably qualified Design & Build contractors is already in place to serve this programme. The Framework was established in accordance with standard Public Procurement Procedures. Tenders will be invited from this Framework only.
