Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
218. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure the temporary accommodation committed to for a school (details supplied) will be in place in advance of the new school year; if the basis for any delays for this project can be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33223/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval under the Additional School Accommodation scheme has issued to the school in question for the provision of six general classrooms.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The project managers for the school in question have completed their viability report and are working closely with the school authority to ensure the required accommodation is delivered as soon as possible.The Department has a significant modular accommodation programme in place to assist schools in the provision of additional capacity, including in respect of facilitating the establishment of special classes. This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
However, the wider context in relation to the overall modular market at present is challenging with modular accommodation suppliers being very busy across commercial, housing and other sectors.
The Department is working closely with the Project Management teams and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure additional capacity for the schools sector is delivered as quickly as possible. While the position continues to evolve, it is envisaged that the bulk of the overall modular accommodation requirements will be dealt with over the course of Term 1 of the new school year.
The Department is working closely with school authorities on contingency planning arrangements and putting any necessary supports in place.
