Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
755. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of progress and the timelines for the delivery of new school accommodation for schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1059/22]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s query the status of the major building projects are as follows;
Rathcoole ETNS RN 20549P
The permanent school building project for Rathcoole ETNS has been assigned to my Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
The school and its patron body were advised by my Department in August 2021 that it would not be possible to proceed at that time with the proposed planning application for the school as South Dublin County Council had advised my Department of its intention to undertake a masterplan of the Rathcoole area, including the proposed school site. The local authority indicated that the proposed masterplan is important for the development of the area with its purpose being to examine an integrated solution and synergies between environmental, educational, housing and recreational objectives for the area. The masterplan once completed will inform the planning application for the school. An update from South Dublin County Council in relation to the masterplan is expected in March 2022.
My Department will continue to provide suitable interim accommodation for the school until such time as the permanent accommodation can be delivered.
Scoil Chronain RN 19530H
The permanent school building project for Scoil Chronáin has been assigned to my Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
The planning application for Scoil Chrónáin was submitted to the local authority on the 18th August 2021 and the final grant of planning permission issued on 24th November 2021.
My Department’s Project Manager together with their Design Team will now are engaged in the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete, the project will then proceed to tender stage.
St Thomas JNS & Scoil Áine SNS, Lucan RN 19542R & 19676P
The Board of Managements of both these schools have agreed to a new schedule of accommodation to include a new 24 classroom school and 3 classroom Special Education Needs base for each school. My Department will be in further contact with the schools in the context of the steps to be taken to progress the project to the next stage of the architectural planning process.
Divine Mercy JNS 19865S & SNS RN 20187H
The major building project for Divine Mercy Jnr & Snr schools is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design. The replacement Consultant Architect is currently carrying out a due diligence review of the Stage 2(b) tender documentation, previously prepared, in conjunction with the other Design Team members. My Department has recently approved the addition of a 2 Class SEN Base for both schools, and the replacement Architect will also include for this in addition to their due diligence report.
Upon receipt and review, my Department will be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of this project, including pre-qualification of contractors.
Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain (RN 19855P) & Gaelscoil na Camogie (RN 19991A)
The major building project for Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain 19855P & Gaelscoil na Camogie 19991A is currently at an advanced stage of the tender process. Subject to no issues arising, the project is expected to commence on-site end of Quarter 1 2022. The contract duration is approximately 15 months.
