Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
195. 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. [18552/24]
View answer196. 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. [18553/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
The school referred to by the Deputy is part of a joint major building project for St Thomas JNS & Scoil Áine SNS and will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme.
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The project is currently at the initial stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team assess the site and current school buildings and prepare their initial sketch schemes.
A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out will be established during this early stage.
The Stage 1 Report was received from the Design Team in late Q4 2023 and the Stage 1 Stakeholders meeting was held in December 2023 between representatives from the Board of Management, Project Manager, Design Team and my Department.
The Design Team and School Authorities were requested to consider comments from my Department and submit a Stage 1 Addendum Report with some revisions to the design options being presented for consideration.
The Addendum Report has been received in the Department, and upon review, the school and its design team will be advised of the further progression of the project.
Until the project design is at a stage where statutory approvals are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date.
