Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2024
88. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the school building programme; if a letter of acceptance has been issued; if a commencement date is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43312/24]
View answer96. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when the letter of acceptance will be issued for the construction work to commence for a school (details supplied); what is causing the delay in this being issued; when work is expected to begin and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43553/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 96 together.
The school building project for the school 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 on a site at Kishogue Cross, Griffeen Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin. The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects for 10 schools issued to my Department's Framework of Design and Build Contractors. The Letter of Intent (LOI) issued to the preferred tenderer in April 2024. Following the issuing of the LOI, my Department’s Project Manager has been liaising with the preferred tenderer regarding the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements that are required under the Contract, including scheduling a post-tender clarification meeting. Once all the necessary documentation and clarifications have been received, my Department will be in a position to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA). It is expected the LOA will issue in the coming weeks, which will allow the contractor to mobilise on site. In tandem with progressing the contract legal arrangements with the preferred tenderer, my Department’s Project Manager has also been progressing separate enabling works on site in relation to the diversion of an overhead ESB line.
The Department will update the school and its patron body once the LOA has issued and will continue to liaise with school and its patron body in relation to interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the school's permanent accommodation.
