Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 December 2019
98. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of renting and purchasing portakabins for a school (details suppled); the status of the move to a new permanent building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52371/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that the school referred to by the Deputy currently rents temporary accommodation classrooms at an annual rental cost of €118,325.84. Since 2009, capital funding in the amount of €348,598.45 has also been allocated to the purchase of prefabricated units.
The move to a new permanent building is awaiting the completion of a major building project for another school which is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b (Detailed Design). All statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department recently carried out a review of a Revised Stage 2(b) submission for this major building project and noted that the estimated Stage 2(b) cost plan had increased substantially from the approved costs at Stage 2(a). In accordance with my Department's Design Team Procedures, where the approved cost limits have been exceeded, a Brief Change Report is necessary. The design team is currently working on this Report. Only when the Stage 2(b) submission is signed off, will my Department will have a clearer understanding of the timeline for the progression of this project to tender and construction.
In view of the above, it is not possible at this point to indicate when the school referred to by the Deputy will move location.
