Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Questions (528)

Marie Sherlock

Question:

528. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delays to the construction of a school extension (details supplied) for new SEN classrooms; the reason for the four month delay in her Department signing off on revision of architect’s fees; the reason verbal confirmation provided to the school was not provided in writing; if the approval process will be expedited to allow the construction project to recommence as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46626/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Departments pipeline of school building projects under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 2 classroom SEN base. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority.  

I can confirm that my Department has received a request for review of additional fees. As this project is on a very complex site, clarification on some elements of this fee request has been requested from the design team to ensure the request is in keeping with my Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines.

While my Department have been in contact recently with the school authority to advise on the progression of this review it is our standard practice to document all important matters in writing to ensure clarity and accountability. 

When my Department receives the clarification requested on the design teams fees the matter will be reviewed by Department officials and the result of this review will be communicated to them in writing.