Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
455. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education her views on an issue affecting a school (details supplied); if she will clarify the position regarding the tender process and planned handover date of September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47452/23]
View answerThe permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is a campus project to deliver a 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The campus project is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme.
This project is currently at tender stage. The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects issued to the Department's Framework of Design & Build Contractors. The tender process currently takes approximately 8-12 months. It is projected that the construction of the campus will take approximately 88 weeks.
Following receipt of extension of time requests, the final tender return date was 22/09/2023. Tender returns have been received and are currently being evaluated by the Project Manager and a tender assessment report is being prepared for the Department’s consideration. Once a Contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction would commence shortly thereafter.
My Department has delivered interim accommodation on site for 2023/24 and 2024/25 school years, in line with enrolment figures agreed with the schools patron body.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school's patron body in relation to the school's enrolments and interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
