Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2019
78. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the replacement of the fire training unit at an educational facility (details supplied) in County Cork; the person or body responsible for its replacement; when it will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24653/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project was completed at the education facility referred to by the Deputy in October 2004. The PPP contract is between the Minister for Education, the relevant Institute of Technology and the PPP Operator. This was the first third level PPP Project to be completed and begin operating in Ireland. State of the art education and training facilities are provided to service the needs of the relevant institution and the non-military needs of the Irish Naval Service.
The Fire Training Unit referred to by the Deputy is a specialist unit used to deliver firefighting training to professional seafarers and to students undergoing education and training to become professional seafarers.
Maintaining the Fire Training Unit is the responsibility of the PPP Operator under the PPP contract. The PPP Operator have engaged a sub-contractor to deliver the facilities management functions, including responsibility for maintaining the Fire Training Unit.
A contract for the remediation of the Fire Training Unit is currently being negotiated between the sub-contractor and a specialist supplier. Once a contract is agreed between these parties, it is anticipated that the remediation works will take approximately ten weeks to complete.
