Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2015
202. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project is likely to go to tender; the likely timescale for construction and provision of new permanent accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22890/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at Stage 2a (Developed Design) of the architectural planning process.
A tender exercise for a replacement Consultant Mechanical & Electrical Engineer became necessary in order to complete the Stage 2(a) design. This tender exercise is currently concluding and when the new appointment is made the Replacement Engineer will be involved with the other members of the design team in the completion of the Stage 2(a) design followed by the conclusion of Stage 2(b).
Planning Permission, Fire Safety Certification and Disability Access Certification have been obtained for this project. The conclusion of Stage 2(b) will also include the completion of tender documents.
Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the 5 year construction programme announced in March 2012.
School building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, which have been initiated but not included in the current five year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in the future.
