Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
478. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education whether it is the intention to continue with the refurbishment of a school (details supplied), with a view to modernising the school or if it is her Department's intention to build alongside the old school a new school to replace it; if she will clarify what her Department's plans for this school are; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47704/23]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under the Departments ADAPT Programme.
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The Brief for this project is the development of a 16 Classroom Gaelscoil with an additional 2 Classrooms for pupils with Special Educational Needs at the current site.
The tender competition to appoint the Design Team for this major project (Consultant Architect, Civil Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer, Quantity Surveyor and PSDP) has concluded.
A workshop meeting between the Project Manager, Design Team and Department officials was held recently.
The Design Team are now commencing the initial stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team will assess the site and prepare their initial sketch schemes. A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out will be established during this early stage.
On conclusion of this process my Department will keep the school authorities informed.
