Education and Training Boards Establishment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Ceisteanna (161)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

161. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, LMETB, headquarters project that is earmarked for Drogheda, County Louth; if following approval for retendering in June 2018, this project will still proceed on the grounds of a school (details supplied); if further changes have been made to tendering documents that may cause delays to the build; when he expects the project to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14894/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (LMETB).  A number of design-related issues that have arisen with this project were considered at a meeting in January between officials from my Department and LMETB and its design team. 

More work needs to be carried out to address these issues and a further meeting may be necessary to complete that work. While I can assure the Deputy that this process will conclude in a timely manner, I cannot give a definitive date in that respect.

I can say that the project will need to be retendered in any event. I can also inform the Deputy that the location for the project remains that which was previously approved and is adjacent to the school to which he refers.