Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2018
160. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the building projects that are under way with a company (details supplied); his plans to continue with these contracts in view of the serious structural defects that have been identified in many of the schools built by this company; and the precise manner in which he plans to ensure quality control and protection for the public funds. [47429/18]
View answerThe company referred to by the Deputy is currently engaged on two school building projects which are Greystones Community National School, under a Design and Build Contract, and temporary accommodation at Sandymount Park Educate Together Secondary School under the Public Works Contract for Works Designed by the Employer. The project at Greystones is currently under construction, while the temporary accommodation project is currently at off-site construction stage.
Both the Department and the company in question are contractually committed in relation to both of these projects.
In both cases, the Department's (Employer's) Technical Advisers (Architects, Fire Consultants and Engineers) will carry out periodic site inspections.
Under the Public Works Contract for Works Designed by the Employer, quality assurance and inspections are carried out at least weekly, and as required by the Employer's Architects and Engineers. All quality issues identified are recorded, followed up with Contractor, amended and signed off by the respective designer when remedied. There are areas of specialist design where the Contractor's engineers provide inspections and sign-off under BC(A)R 2014. The Employer’s Engineers provide the necessary oversight in regard to areas of specialist design.
The following appointments are now standard practice across all Design & Build projects:
- Appointment of an independent Assigned Certifier, who oversees implementation of an inspection plan, and, together with the contractor, signs the Certificate of Compliance on Completion (required for all projects post-BC(A)R) 2014)
- Appointment of a Clerk of Works, who is on site every day, and who seeks to ensure that the work is being carried out in accordance with the drawings, specifications and instructions, and to the highest standards of workmanship.
- Appointment of an independent Fire Consultant, who aids the Assigned Certifier and the Employer’s Representative in inspections on all matters pertaining to fire safety issues
The Assigned Certifier should: -
(a) provide and sign the relevant statutory certificates - the form of undertaking at commencement and the Certificate of Compliance on Completion;
(b) co-ordinate the ancillary certification by members of the design team and other relevant bodies for the Certificate of Compliance on Completion;
(c) identify all design professionals and specialists, in conjunction with the Builder, from whom certificates are required;
(d) identify all certificates required and obtain them;
(e) co-ordinate and collate all certification of compliance for completion in conjunction with the Builder;
(f) in consultation with the members of the design team, plan and oversee the implementation of the Inspection Plan during Construction;
(g) prepare the Preliminary Inspection Plan and oversee adherence to this plan, and on completion provide the Inspection Plan as implemented;
(h) on termination or relinquishment of their appointment make available to the Building Owner all certification prepared and inspection reports carried out; (i) act as the single point of contact with the Building Control Authority during construction;
(j) seek advice from the Building Control Authority, in respect of compliance matters relating to the building or works where disputes or differences of opinion arise between the parties to the project; and (k) maintain records of inspection.
