Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
469. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education to outline the process of planning, construction and delivery of major projects for schools, including the typical timeframes for each stage of the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14375/24]
View answerAt present, there are 5 stages of architectural planning involved in the delivery of major school projects. The stages reflect the Capital Works Management Framework developed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform.
The period of time it takes to progress through each of the stages varies from project to project depending on its size and complexity and can often take longer than that indicated. For example, during the planning application, Requests for Further Information (RFI) from the Local Authority and possible third party appeals to An Bord Pleanála can considerably lengthen the process.
The stages and indicative timelines are as follows:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Design (5 to 6 months). The Preliminary Design stage includes reviewing all information provided as part of the Project Brief and establishing and analysing all site factors and constraints which may impact on the project's viability. Stage 2 - Design (9 to 12 months at each stage)
Stage 2a (Developed Sketch Scheme) includes development of the design and the preparation of an accurate cost plan of the options agreed with the Client to a stage where the project is fully cost planned and can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
Stage 2b (Detailed Design) includes obtaining all statutory approvals, preparing a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and preparing an accurate pre-tender cost plan.
Stage 3 - Tender Action, Evaluation and Award (9 to 12 months). On the completion of the examination of tenders, written authorisation of the Department must be obtained before issuing Letter of Intent. Once all the contract pre-conditions in the Letter of Intent have been met and the Department has given written authorisation to proceed to Contract, a Letter of Acceptance can be issued which forms the contract.
Stage 4 – Construction (12 to 24 months) All members of the Design Team are collectively responsible for the effective management of the project in order to achieve its completion on time and within budget.
Stage 5 - Handover of Works and Final Account (12 months minimum). The Design Team individually and collectively are required to effectively manage the Project, with the co-operation of the Contractor achieve a satisfactory standard of Construction, and achieve Substantial Completion of all elements of the Projects by the Contract Section/Phase handover dates and overall Contract Completion Date.
