Fergus O'Dowd
Question:491. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a project (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32894/18]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
491. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a project (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32894/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is probably aware the delivery of the school building project in question has been devolved to the local authority.
The project commenced on site in January 2017 and was originally scheduled for completion for September 2018. However, a delay was occasioned due to a High Court challenge to planning permission for elements of the project. This was unforeseen given that the building was well under construction before the legal challenge was taken. While the legal challenge was unsuccessful, the construction of elements of the building could not go ahead until Court proceedings were finalised.
Due to this development, the project cannot be completed within the original timeline. However, a phased hand over will take place to allow the school commence partial operation in the new building for this coming September. The remainder of the building is expected to be completed and ready for occupation before the end of 2018.