Schools Building Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2019

Thursday, 21 November 2019

Ceisteanna (72)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

72. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to the new school development for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when a new design team will be appointed due to the recent increase in the size of the school to a 16 classroom school with two special needs units; his views on whether the children and staff deserve a better environment than one that is split across two sites, that is not fit for purpose and lacks basic facilities such as adequate yard size, physical education facilities and a school hall; if he will personally intervene in the matter in view of the length of time the project has been in the system; his plans to ensure the project moves quickly to stage two; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48323/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of Architectural Planning. 

A Design Team was appointed but a number of site issues were required to be addressed which precluded the progression of the project pending their resolution. The school has now confirmed to the Department that all site issues have been resolved in order to facilitate the progression of this building project.    

The school also requested an increase to the original Project Brief from a Principal plus 12 mainstream teachers up to a Principal plus 16 mainstream teachers with 2 SEN class bases. My Department has approved the increased project brief on the understanding that the additional area can be accommodated on the proposed site.   

Under EU Procurement Regulations a new procurement procedure is required to be undertaken where there are substantial modifications to a project. As such, a new Design Team is required to be appointed. My Department is in contact with the school authorities in that regard. 

This major building project is included in my Department's Construction Program being delivered under the National Development Plan.