Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
340. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has supervisors employed to oversee the building of new schools and extensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45484/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations introduced in 2014, an Assigned Certifier must be appointed. Since 2014, the Department has appointed an independent qualified third party to act as Assigned Certifier on all Design and Build school projects.
On school projects designed by the Employer, the lead Architect on the design team usually acts as the Assigned Certifier. The Assigned Certifier coordinates and implements an inspection plan through the construction process.
At project completion, the Assigned Certifier gathers the ancillary certificates, which are provided by the contractor, its subcontractors and design team, and executes a Certificate of Compliance on Completion.
The Assigned Certifier is not, however, responsible for the supervision of the builder.
Since September 2017, in addition to the Assigned Certifier, the Department now appoints a full-time resident Clerk of Works on all major school construction projects to be on-site daily
The role of a Clerk of Works is to represent the interests of the client with regard to ensuring that the quality of both materials and workmanship is in accordance with the architect’s/engineer’s drawings and specifications. This includes inspection of materials and workmanship through the construction process.
Separate to the role of Employer’s Representative, which is an external party appointed by the Department under the Public Works Contract, the Department’s own technical staff act as client liaison on school building projects constructed under the Design & Build process. The responsibilities of the client liaison include reporting on progress to the Department; bringing any potential programme delays to the attention of the Department; keeping the school community awaiting completion of the building informed of progress; involving the School Authorities in selecting of internal colour schemes, and ensuring that the contractor is aware of any particular project or school requirements.
The client liaison is not involved in the certification of the works. It is important to make a distinction between completion and compliance - it is the responsibility of the contractor and/or designer to ensure compliance with building standards.
