Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
462. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact Covid-19 has had in delaying the school building programme; the number of schools in each county in which the programme has been delayed due to Covid-19; the number of those that are in progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14468/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were circa 200 projects on site in early 2020. In line with National Public Health announcements by Government, all construction sites in relation to the education sector ceased in March 2020.
The construction sector has been re-opening on a gradual and phased basis since Monday 18 May. It will take time to remobilise and see the impact the of new working arrangements. It is too early to quantify exactly the impacts on projects due to the pandemic and as a result of these new working arrangements. A clearer picture will emerge over the next few months as projects become fully re-mobilised and we gain an increased understanding of the operational impacts of implementing Public Health guidelines in particular the social distancing rules. We will keep this under regular review. My Department is working closely with school authorities and patron bodies to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place where necessary if a school building projects is not completed in time for the start of the new school year as a result of delays caused by Covid. This work is on-going and it is envisaged that all issues will be addressed prior to the start of the new year.
By way of information, my Department’s website shows the status position on all school projects on the Capital Programme. These are listed on a county basis. The information is available at www.education.gov.ie and is updated regularly.
