Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
350. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education to indicate if the construction of a school (details supplied) will be completed and the school operational for the 2025 / 2026 school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11567/24]
View answerThe permanent building project referred to by the Deputy, will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The project is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build programme and is currently at tender stage.
The Invitation to Tender for the project issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects for 10 schools issued to the Department's Framework of Design and 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 volume of documentation and drawings and takes circa 12 months. Tender returns have been received and the analysis and review is at an advanced stage.
Given the scale of this investment, this tender evaluation process by the Department's technical staff and project management team takes time to appropriately work through. The Department is very conscious of the importance in getting these projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, delivered as quickly as possible.
Once a contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction will commence shortly thereafter. The construction duration for the project is estimated at some 65 weeks.
My Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated as the project progresses and will continue to liaise with the school regarding interim accommodation requirements pending delivery of the permanent school accommodation.
