Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2019
118. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the delivery of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied); the assistance given to the school for a timely delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37867/19]
View answerThe building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design & Build programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
The next step in the process will be the application for planning permission which is expected to be lodged shortly. Thereafter, as with all school building projects, the exact timeframe for delivery of the school will be dependent on the grant of planning permission. My Department will be working to have the first phase of the school's permanent accommodation handed over by September of 2021 with phase 2 to follow in a matter of months.
A meeting was held between Department officials and representatives of the Board of Management of the school on September 3rd. In the course of the meeting the projected timelines for the progression of the project were outlined and the factors underpinning those timelines were explained in considerable detail. Following the meeting an email issued to the Board confirming the timelines for the project.
For the school year commencing September 2020, the school will remain in it's current location and plans are being put in place to provide the necessary additional accommodation.
My Department officials will keep the Board of Management fully informed of developments as they occur.
