Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
192. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a school building project (details supplied); what this means in real terms for this school; when the school can expect construction work to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18549/24]
View answerThe campus project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs on the ETB-owned site at Fortunestown Lane.
The Invitation to Tender 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. The assessment of tenders has now concluded and a Letter of Intent (LOI) has issued to the preferred tenderer. This allows the preferred tenderer to put in place the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements required under the Contract.
The next step will be the issue of the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to the successful contractor. This will be done following further engagement with the successful contractor in relation to the tender for the design and construction of the new schools. This engagement will also provide clarity on the contractor’s programme of works for the delivery of the project and timelines. Following receipt of all the necessary documentation and clarifications, my Department will then be in a position to issue the LOA which will allow the contractor to mobilise on site.
My Department will update the school and its patron body once the LOA has issued and will continue to liaise with school in relation to interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the school's permanent accommodation.
