I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has agreed the need for additional accommodation at the school in question.
The school's accommodation will be delivered in two phases. Phase one will see the delivery of accommodation to meet the school’s most immediate needs through the department's modular accommodation framework and will consist of reconfiguration of two science labs to provide two special education classrooms, and modular accommodation for two science labs, one prep area and four general classrooms.
In support of the expedited delivery of critical school accommodation my department has put in place a Modular Accommodation Framework. 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. In addition, my Department has put new project manager supports in place to assist schools with the delivery of this critical modular accommodation. The Project Manager Framework is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and to help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
The Modular Accommodation Framework solution:
· Has significant benefits in terms of delivery timelines;
· Minimises the impact of the project on the operation of the school;
· Provides quality and sustainable accommodation that meets building regulation requirements and is Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) compliant; and
· Climate proofing of the accommodation, given that the modular accommodation has the added benefit of utilising decarbonised heating sources which should also help with the school’s energy profile and costs.
It is not possible to give a definitive timeline for delivery of the project however my officials, through the engagement of the school’s patron and the project manager will endeavour to deliver this project as quickly as possible. It is targeted to have the accommodation in place either in advance of the 2024/25 school year or early in the first term.
Phase two which consists of a traditional construction project comprising six general classrooms, one music room, two design computer graphics rooms, one home economics room, two graphics rooms, one engineering/ construction studies/technology room and two special education classrooms. My officials are working with the school’s patron with a view to advancing this project to the next stage, which is to appoint a Design Team, in the coming weeks.
The department is not in a position to guarantee a definitive timeline for phase two of the school's project. As the Deputy will appreciate the progress of the project depends on a multitude of factors such as any identified technical challenges, statutory consents, procurement etc., many of which are outside of the department's control.
I can assure the Deputy that my department is very cognisant of the urgency around the delivery of accommodation for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible. The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider school planning area for future years.
