Emer Higgins
Question:329. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of plans for a new building for a school (details supplied); and the timeline for the delivery of same. [31051/20]
View answerTuesday, 20 October 2020
Questions (329)
Written answers
The major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning – Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design.
Stage 2(b) is arguably the most complex and detailed of all the stages in Architectural Planning. In addition to securing the necessary statutory approval, it also includes the preparation of complex and detailed tender documents. Additionally, there have been changes to building regulations which the Design Team have been required to incorporate into its design and tender documents.
Stage 2(b) documents previously received by my Department were deemed incomplete and were returned to the Design Team for amendment. A revised Stage 2(b) report was subsequently received and reviewed by the Department. Comments on the Stage 2(b) report issued to the Design Team and they have since provided the Department with updated and amended documents as requested.
Upon completion of the review of the updated documents, the Department will be in contact with the school and its design team regarding the further progression of this project.
In order to expedite progress, the school and its design team has recently been authorised to commence the pre-qualification progress to select a short-list of contractors in parallel with the review of the updated Stage 2(b) documentation.