Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
314. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW will complete its work in preparing stage 2A of the school building project for a school (details supplied). [29705/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Athenry Boys School is one of a bundle of schools which the Department of Education and Skills (DoES) asked the Office of Public Works (OPW) to assist with. To date, OPW have completed seven schools on behalf of the DoES.
The approved DoES brief for Boys National School Athenry proposes a four classroom extension with a new General Purpose Hall and ancillary accommodation. Within the constraints of the existing site, this brief would have impacted on the existing Hurling Pitch which is of significant importance to the school. To assist and resolve this situation, OPW is prepared to give an adjacent site they own to allow the school expand without affecting the Hurling Pitch.
The OPW presented a Stage 1 Scheme to DoES in April 2016. Subject to some minor amendments, DoES provided approval to proceed to the next stage of design development in May 2016.
In May 2016, the Consultant Quantity Surveyor notified OPW & DoES of his intention to withdraw his services for this project due to difficulties associated with his consultation fee.
OPW re-tendered for Quantity Surveyor Consultants in July 2016, and received tenders towards the end of September 2016. OPW have assessed the tenders and are in the process of appointing a new Quantity Surveyor. We expect the appointment to be ratified within a matter of days. Once OPW have the full design team, it can continue with the scheme development.
OPW have continued to develop the project in the absence of a Quantity Surveyor and it is our intention to proceed to organise a Stage 2A presentation to DoES during Quarter 4 2016. Subject to approval from DoES, we would progress with lodging a Planning Application soon after.
