Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills when new additional accommodation will be provided for a school (details supplied) in addition to the associated refurbishment works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49256/18]
View answerThere is an orange weather warning in place at the moment. People are making plans and preparations. There is an additional worry for the parents of the pupils of St. Molaga's national school in Balbriggan. They are fearful that the prefabs their kids are forced to learn in will come down around their ears. The last time we had a heavy downpour, it was raining in one of those classrooms. On behalf of the parents and on my own behalf, I ask the Minister to provide some words of comfort by indicating when the school will get its new accommodation and when the refurbishment works will be carried out.
A building project at this school that primarily involves the replacement of existing temporary accommodation with permanent accommodation is included in my Department's six-year construction programme. The project will consist of an extension to include 12 mainstream classrooms, a two-classroom special needs unit and some refurbishment works to the existing accommodation. The schedule of accommodation for the project has been finalised and provided to the school authority. The project brief has also been finalised. It was advised to the school recently that it is intended that the project will be progressed under the Department's ADAPT programme. ADAPT is an accelerated programme which uses a professional external project manager to co-ordinate and drive the respective design teams on each project. My Department will be in further contact with the school when the project manager has been appointed.
The Minister has not provided any concrete timeframes. At the moment, 58% of pupils in the school are learning in prefabs. The prefabs are 18 years old, which is young in human terms but ancient in prefab terms. We are aware that there has been some progress. We need to hear that this project will be fast-tracked. We need to hear exact timeframes from the Minister. That is what the parents want to know. When they woke up this morning, they knew this problem would not be fixed by the time their kids arrived in school. They are nervous and worried. Like most average people, these parents do not want to contact their local representatives. They are happy never to have to see us as we go about our business. They have been driven to contact their local representatives because the conditions their kids are in at the moment are unacceptable. They need to hear a timeframe. We have been told again and again that there will be action as part of a programme. A timeframe is needed.
There are two aspects to the larger project. It is important to appoint an ADAPT project manager. The Deputy is articulating this strongly and my officials are listening to her. She mentioned the existing prefabs in the context of today's stormy conditions. Two of the school's older prefabs have been in poor condition since Storm Ali earlier this year. While I understand that some repairs have been carried out to the prefabs under the school's insurance policy, a condition report prepared at the school's request has indicated that further remedial works are needed. The Department has advised the school to complete an emergency works application form with a view to undertaking remedial work to these prefabs pending their replacement as part of the proposed building project.
The Deputy and the school authorities are trying to do two things. They want pupils to be able to get on with their daily lives in the education system. They are keeping the larger project in mind as well. They are keen to ensure the prefabs are of a standard that meets all the safety requirements. I am taking on board what the Deputy has said.
While I am glad the Minister is taking on board what I am saying, he has not given me a timeframe. I would appreciate a timeframe. If the Minister cannot give one to me now, I would be happy to receive it in written correspondence. It is not as if these parents are not patient; they are extremely patient. They are looking for their kids to be able to go to school in a place that is safe. The Minister and I want the same for our kids. The parents are seeking a timeframe. They are aware that this matter has been brought to his attention. They know that this school is in the pipeline. They want to know at what stage they will start to see some concrete movement.
There are dangers with giving the specifics of a timeframe because people can be disappointed when there is no movement on that timeframe. It is intended that the process of procuring a project manager will be initiated shortly. We could get into a more definitive explanation of what is meant by "shortly". Some people might think it means before Christmas and others might think it means after Christmas. In fairness, many school authorities and young people are resilient. They will put up with lower standards if they know things are certain to come down the line. I get that as well. People like to be kept in the picture and in the know. I will get my officials to give the Deputy a direct call on this matter.
