Cathal Crowe
Question:75. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education when she expects works on a new building for a school (details supplied) will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52579/23]
View answerThursday, 30 November 2023
Questions (75)
Written answers
The school to which the Deputy refers is a two-classroom school that is in the Department’s pipeline for a modular accommodation project. The current enrolment at the school is 40 pupils which is a decrease of two pupils from last year.
The project is being managed on a devolved basis by the school authority. The brief for the project is to replace the existing accommodation with a new modular unit that consists of two 80 square metre mainstream classrooms, as well as one Special Education Teaching room, one office space, one staff room and a small reception or lobby area.
The project is at tender stage. Tender documents and the tender report for this project were received in my Department in October 2023. The lowest tenderer for the project has withdrawn from the tender competition which is resulting in significantly increased costs. The tender documentation and tender report is being reviewed by my Department from a technical and cost perspective. This analysis is being done in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code to ensure the proposed project is fully assessed from a value from money perspective. This analysis is ongoing and the school authority will be kept updated on progress.
My Department is also conscious that this school is in an area of decreasing enrolments at primary level and will be seeking updated information from the Patron and the school in relation to enrolments and projections and impact on neighbouring schools. This information will contribute to the aforementioned analysis.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department has a strong track record of delivery and our main focus is on ensuring every child has a school place.
Since 2020 we have invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country involving the completion of over 690 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects. School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have 200 modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
In conclusion, I want to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils of Tubber National School. My Department will ensure that this project - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Spending Code and represents good value for money for the State.
Questions Nos. 76 to 78, inclusive, answered orally.