Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2015
230. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of an extension to Lucan Community College in County Dublin; when this project will advance to planning stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33815/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project referred to by the Deputy is included in the Five Year Construction Programme to proceed to Tender and Construction.
The original design team appointed to the project had reached completion of Stage 1 of Architectural Planning. As part of that work and following an assessment of the current accommodation, it was agreed by the Department that extensive additional refurbishment works to the existing school will also be required.
The Department approved a significant increase in the scope of works for the project to incorporate those refurbishment works. Arising from this expansion in the scope of works it was necessary to commence a tender exercise for the appointment of a new design team to take the project forward from this point. This process, which was conducted by the ETB, was completed and the new Design Team have been authorised to proceed to Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning, which is the developed Design Stage.
Earlier this year, the Department met with officials from the ETB regarding progression of the project. Following this meeting, further information was requested from the ETB and its Design Team, which is currently under review by my Department. Upon successful completion of Stage 2(a) the project will progress to complete Stage 2(b), Detailed Design, which includes the application for Statutory approvals and the preparation of Tender Documents for Contractors. Following completion of stage 2(b) the project will then be progressed to tender and construction.
