Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
543. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if she will prioritise the construction of a school (details supplied) within its bundle, in light of the severe pressures on school places in the Greystones area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57236/23]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy, is assigned to my Department’s Design and Build programme.
The Invitation to Tender for Greystones CC issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects issued to the Department's Framework of Design & Build Contractors. Given the scale of works involving new purpose built accommodation for 10 schools, some of which are on campus sites, the tender process involves a very large amount of documentation and drawings and takes approximately 8-12 months. Tender returns have been received and are currently being evaluated.
This bundle comprises 10 school projects which are all flagship projects for their local school communities. Given the magnitude of this large scale investment, this tender evaluation process takes time for the Department's technical staff and project management team to adequately and appropriately analyse. The Department is very conscious of the urgency in getting these projects, including Greystones Community College, delivered as quickly as possible.
