Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
208. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the completion of schools and educational facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27792/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe liquidation of Carillion Construction affected five school buildings, including the school specifically referred to by the Deputy, and one further education college across four sites in Bray, Wexford, Carlow and Kells. These projects form the Schools Bundle 5 Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.
Following the liquidation of Carillion Construction Ltd, a tender process to identify a replacement contractor for the completion of the buildings has been carried out. I was pleased that I was able yesterday to welcome confirmation from DIF and the project lenders regarding the appointment of a replacement works contractor. This provides a clear pathway forward for the completion of all the schools in Schools Bundle 5 PPP Project.
In this respect, arrangements are being put in place for the appointment of a replacement contractor to facilitate the completion of the three most advanced schools by the end of August and to undertake survey and preliminary work at the other three buildings in the programme, including the school referred to by the Deputy. This preparatory work is intended to facilitate the remaining construction work being completed by the end of December.
These arrangements, which follow a retendering process, provide for a contractor to be mobilised in the coming days and for work to recommence on site in the coming weeks. I would like to thank DIF and the Project Funders for their co-operation through this process and to acknowledge, in particular, the work of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in representing the interests of the State and the school communities.
Contingency planning remains in place for all six facilities. Students and staff of the school referred to by the Deputy will continue to be accommodated in their existing buildings until the new buildings are completed. The relevant ETB, supported by the Department of Education and Skills, is also putting in place additional temporary accommodation arrangements to cater for its increased enrolments.
