Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
713. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education to provide clarification on the anticipated completion dates for the manufacturing of the modular classrooms for a school (details supplied) and the projected and provide insights into the factors contributing to this revised projection and the contingency put in place by the NCSE for parents of students who have been enrolled at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38802/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department approved funding for the provision of two special classes under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for the school in question. The project is devolved to the school authority and is being delivered under the Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
This programme provides project management supports to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and helps to ease the administrative workload for individual schools in relation to the management and delivery of the project. 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.
The overall construction sector environment is nevertheless challenging. The Department and the Project Management company are doing everything possible to ensure that the project is delivered as quickly as possible. My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this important project and will work closely with the school authority and its project manager in order to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible and that the school is updated directly on all progress and timelines. While the manufacture of the required modular units is progressing, it is anticipated that site works will commence shortly with a target for practical completion for early November.
