Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2016
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the use of precast building methods can be incorporated into the school building programme thereby facilitating rapid construction without reduction in specification including heat conservation capacity and life expectancy of the buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35492/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrecast concrete building methods are already being used on school building projects, primarily the Departments “RAPID” Design & Build programme, and have been for a number of years. A precast concrete structure offers programme advantages in that the structural frame is quickly erected following which the roof can be constructed and remaining trades can then proceed under cover, protected from weather. However, a precast concrete frame can be more expensive than the concrete blockwork construction traditionally used on school buildings.
Economies in using precast concrete can be achieved in building types where there is a lot of repetition of identical wall panels. This is not always possible with school buildings due to site constraints. Contractors tendering for school building projects may propose to use precast concrete in lieu of blockwork on a cost neutral basis. A precast concrete solution can only be shown to be economical when it is in competition with other structural solutions (e.g. loadbearing blockwork, structural steel frame, etc.).
The Department considers that the balance between precast concrete building methods and other alternative systems for building schools is reasonable at present and will continue to monitor the marketplace for any changes that might be required in order to maintain equilibrium between quick delivery and value for money.
