Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
582. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify what is planned for a school (details supplied); if it is a new build or refurbishment and if she will ensure that previous replies to parliamentary questions do not confuse plans for the school with previous designs for a different school which was temporarily accommodated on that site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32687/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware responsibility for delivering a major project for the school in question has been devolved to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB). The Department of Education originally approved (in 2012) the construction of a standalone extension of just over 4,000 m2 in area to include a 2-classroom Special Education needs base. Some works to the existing building were also included in this approval.
A number of significant issues have unfortunately arisen, including delays in obtaining statutory consents from the local authority and delays to the finalisation of the detailed design process for the project as it was originally approved. The project was brought to Stage 2B. However, at that point it was agreed between DDLETB and the Department to proceed with an alternative proposal for the progression of the project as set out by DDLETB. This alternative involves the demolition and replacement of the existing building but also allows the provision of accommodation for another school on the site.
Based on a report provided by DDLETB, it was agreed in late 2020 following meetings between the Department and DDLETB that the project should be redesigned on that basis. The Department has been reviewing next steps in the progression of the project in the meantime. This review is now completed. The Department is now in a position to instruct DDLETB’s design team to develop a master plan for the school in question and a second 1,000 pupil post primary school on the same site. The master plan can develop the initial project in line with the DDLETB proposals previously advised in that respect and provide a footprint for a second school based on a standard 1,000 pupil Schedule of Accommodation.
If the master plan demonstrates that this proposal is feasible, it is then anticipated that the project will progress on that basis. DDLETB can then be expected to proceed with the appointment of a Design Team to progress the redesign of the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions and move the project onward to construction in due course.
As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for completion.
Pending completion of the main building project, the Department has approved the provision of a Home Economics Room, an Art Room, and a Toilet Block through the Department’s Framework of Modular Accommodation Providers. This project is currently under way and is anticipated to be in situ for September 2022. The school has put contingency arrangements in place to make best use of existing accommodation until the modular accommodation is ready to be occupied.
