Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
71. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills when schools (details supplied) will go to tender stage for new school buildings; the timeline for project delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22426/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGaelscoil na gCeithre Maistrí, Donegal
The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 1 of the Architectural Planning Process.
Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authority will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief.
When the school's design team has completed its work on Stage 1 it will request a meeting with my Departments Planning & Building Unit at which it will present its design proposals. The school will attend and will be an active participant at that meeting.
The project will then progress through the remaining stages of architectural planning which includes detailed design, the planning application and other statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.
St Mary's National School, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal.
The major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.The Stage 2b submission has been reviewed by my Department and comments issued to the school and its Design Team in December 2017.
My Department also requested confirmations from the Design Team that it carries out one final review of all of its tender documentation to ensure compliance with DoES requirements. The Design Team has been requested to submit written confirmation from each Design Team member including the PSDP that they have completed this review and are satisfied that the Tender Documents are complete, correct and in compliance with DoES and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R) tender documentation requirements. A response is awaited.
A letter recently issued to the school and its Design Team advising them of a timeframe for the progression of this project including the Pre-Qualification of Contractors.
