Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
475. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the role of the clerk of works during the building of a new school (details supplied); if the clerk can identify issues with the school building; the stage at which issues with the school building were identified; the actions her Department has taken to address the issues since they were identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35321/20]
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 Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction. There is also a full-time Clerk of Works present on site and represents the interests of my Department in regard to ensuring that the quality of both materials and workmanship are in accordance with architects/engineers drawings and specifications and design information.
On the specific matters that have impacted the handover of the building, my Department is taking the appropriate steps to ensure it is completely satisfied that the building is fit for handover prior to accepting it. My Department is engaging with the contractor in this regard under the appropriate terms of the public works contract. Some communication was received from the contractor on 30 September and was reviewed and assessed. That communication was deemed inadequate and a further notice issued to the contractor in October. A response was received at the end of October and this is being considered. While this process is underway, my Department will not make any further comment other than to say that we are expediting this as quickly as possible.
