Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
187. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the rationale for a school (details supplied) accepting temporary modular accommodation as a permanent design solution instead of a permanent solution for three SEN classrooms; if she will provide an explanation for this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26806/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question was issued a provisional letter of offer following their application for capital funding, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme.
In order to meet these needs my Department has broadened its delivery streams and is utilising Modern Methods of Construction, including Modular Accommodation, as well as traditional construction delivery methods. Modular accommodation has particular advantages in terms of overall timelines and also climate impact in that they do not generally have a reliance on fossil fuels.
In overall terms, it is important to have a range of delivery mechanisms for delivering school accommodation to support the current very strong and ambitious rollout of school building projects. This is particular relevant given the overall challenging construction sector market.
A number of factors are considered by my Department in determining the most appropriate construction method to meet a school’s accommodation requirements, including the timing and duration of that accommodation need, and other school-specific factors.
In support of the expedited delivery of critical school accommodation my Department has put in place a Modular Accommodation Framework. In addition, my Department has put new project manager support in place to assist schools with the delivery of this critical modular accommodation. All of these supports help ensure that the administrative burden for schools on procuring and delivering modular accommodation solutions is significantly eased.
The Modular Accommodation Framework solution:
- Has significant benefits in terms of delivery timelines;
- Minimises the impact of the project on the operation of the school;
- Provides quality and sustainable accommodation that meets building regulation requirements and is Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) compliant; and
- Climate proofing of the accommodation, given that the modular accommodation has the added benefit of utilising decarbonised heating sources which should also help with the school’s energy profile and costs.
I can confirm that the offer of modular accommodation has been accepted by the school authorities and my officials remain available to answer any questions the school may have in this regard.
