Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
198. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of works at a school (details supplied); and the measures underway to ensure the opening of same is secured for September 2020. [13271/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the school authority under my Department's Summer Works Scheme. As such, it is a matter for the school authority to progress the project.
I can inform the Deputy that we are aware from our engagement with the school with respect to this project that it will not be completed in time for September 2020 as the tragic and extremely difficult issues that arose in the school last year have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 situation. The Department fully appreciates that this is extremely disappointing and frustrating for the entire school community given that they have already spent an entire school year without access to their school building.
I can assure everyone associated with the project that the school authority and its design team, supported by the Department, has done and is doing everything it can to ensure the earliest possible return to the school whilst ensuring that the quality and integrity of the works that need to be completed are protected. In that respect, a significant milestone in progressing the project was achieved last week as the tender for the works in question was advertised on the e-Tenders system. I can also assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to support the contingency arrangements that are currently in place for the school.
