Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
403. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that the extension and refurbishment of a school (details supplied) proceeds to the tender and build stage without further delay by granting the school rapid build status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31765/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers is devolved to Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) for delivery.
My Department is fully aware of the need to urgently progress this project. However, it is of the utmost importance that the final outcome for this project will be the correct one for both the school authority and the pupils. In that regard, I would like to inform the Deputy that arising from its due diligence in respect of the preparation of the revised pre-qualification process for this project, DDLETB has carried out a review of the project which puts forward an alternative option for progressing it. In that respect, DDLETB recently met on-site with officials from my Department who have now sought further documentation from the ETB. This documentation, when received, will further inform my Department’s active consideration of this proposal and will assist in determining the next steps to be taken in progressing the project.
In any event, I can advise the Deputy that as the delivery method for the project has already been determined, it is not possible to consider inclusion of the project in the Department's Design and Build Programme or, indeed, any other alternative method of delivery.
