Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2019
94. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take action to ensure a school building project (details supplied) which is at stage 2b progresses as quickly as possible; if the project will proceed to construction as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48451/19]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of a joint project. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) Detailed Design which includes the application for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
In June 2019, at a meeting with the schools, their design team and officials from my Department, discussions took place regarding the current conditions at the schools. My Department advised the schools to submit an application for consideration, for replacement/additional temporary accommodation required to address their current accommodation needs pending the delivery of the major school building project.
At that meeting the consultant Design Team Quantity Surveyor advised that the company is withdrawing from the project.
In early October 2019, the Design Team Consultant Architect advised that it is forced to withdraw from the project as the firm has gone into liquidation. A tender process to replace both the design team Architect and Quantity Surveyor will commence shortly.
When the replacement consultants have been appointed the Design Team will complete work on the Stage 2(b) report which will be submitted to the Department for review.
Upon review of the Stage 2(b) submission my Department will be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of this project, including pre-qualification of contractors.
