Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
238. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new school building for a school (details supplied); the stage the project is at; when construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3038/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in the Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.
The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
Following the appointment of a replacement consultant architect, the Design Team has reviewed the previous Stage 2(b) documentation and upgraded the design to ensure that the new school building is a Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in compliance with the 2017 amendment to Part L of the current Building Regulations.
A revised Stage 2(b) report was submitted to the Department for review in November 2019. Upon commencement of the review the Department needed to request further documentation from the Design Team in order that the report could be fully reviewed. The Design Team is currently working on this outstanding documentation.
Upon receipt of the outstanding documentation and completion of the review of the revised Stage 2(b) report my Department will be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of this project.
