Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
387. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a delay has occurred and a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will not be completed until May 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37741/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy is among eight schools constituting the third bundle of school projects that are earmarked for delivery as part of the Department's overall Schools Public Private Partnership programme of works. Unfortunately, unanticipated difficulties associated with the current fiscal situation have led to delays in achieving financial close. As a consequence, it has not been possible to conclude the contract with the preferred tenderer as had been originally planned. However, the expectation is that these difficulties will now be overcome later this year with the likelihood that the contract will be in place and the builder on site before the end of the calendar year. I look forward to this situation coming to pass.
