Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
170. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed LMETB headquarters in Drogheda, County Louth; the reason for the unacceptable delays to the commencement of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8449/20]
View answer261. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is policy to build the LMETB headquarters building at a site in Drogheda, County Louth; the amount spent on the project to date; when the building will be occupied; the number of ETB staff that will be accommodated in the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9140/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 261 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the project to which they refer have been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (LMETB).
A number of design issues have arisen with this project. These have included issues relating to the need for additional security features for the proposed building that became apparent at tender stage and which required a change in brief with consequent design alterations. Currently, the capacity of the building, and the number of staff it is required to accommodate, is being reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of LMETB into the future.
I can assure the Deputy that every effort to progress the project has been made and will continue to be made. A number of meetings between officials from my Department and LMETB and its design team, with a view to addressing the relevant issues, have taken place. However, it is still too early at this stage to give a commencement date for construction.
To date, approximately €260k has been spent on costs related to the project including design team fees, planning and statutory consent fees and surveys for the project.
