Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2019
94. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the announced delay of the proposed opening of the permanent building for a school (details supplied) to September 2021 in view of the fact the trustees had been informed it would open by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39187/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the necessary additional infrastructure will be put in place to enable a school (details supplied) to remain in its current temporary building from 2020 until 2021, in view of the recently announced delay in the opening date for the permanent building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39188/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
The building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design & Build programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
The next step in the process will be the application for planning permission which is expected to be lodged shortly. Thereafter, as with all school building projects, the exact timeframe for delivery of the school will be dependent on the grant of planning permission. My Department will be working to have the first phase of the school's permanent accommodation handed over by September of 2021 with phase 2 to follow in a matter of months.
A meeting was held between Department officials and representatives of the Board of Management of the school on September 3rd. In the course of the meeting the projected timelines for the progression of the project were outlined and the factors underpinning those timelines were explained in considerable detail. Following the meeting an email issued to the Board confirming the timelines for the project.
My Department will arrange for the necessary additional accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy to be put in place in their current temporary building for September 2020 to meet their additional needs for the 2020/2021 academic year.
My Department officials will keep the Board of Management fully informed of developments as they occur.
