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Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Ceisteanna (194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress in respect of various primary and post-primary school building projects throughout north Kildare that are on target in respect of completion date; the projects that are pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30576/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the various school building projects nationwide that have been affected by Covid-19 or other issues in the past year; the extent to which a satisfactory resolution has been achieved in respect of revised completion dates; the number still outstanding in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30577/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the various school building projects at primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare, have been advanced or restricted as a result of Covid-19 or other issues in the course of 2020 to date; the extent to which the requirements as set out by the various school authorities have been responded to or are in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30578/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the various school building projects at primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare, have been advanced or restricted as a result of Covid-19 or other issues in the course of 2020 to date; the extent to which the requirements as set out by the various school authorities have been responded to or are in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30579/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the various school building projects at primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare, have been advanced or restricted as a result of Covid-19 or other issues in the course of 2020 to date; the extent to which the requirements as set out by the various school authorities have been responded to or are in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30580/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the various school building projects at primary and second level in Clane, County Kildare, have been advanced or restricted as a result of Covid-19 or other issues in the course of 2020 to date; the extent to which the requirements as set out by the various school authorities have been responded to or are in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30581/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the various school building projects at primary and second level in Kilcock, County Kildare, have been advanced or restricted as a result of Covid-19 or other issues in the course of 2020 to date; the extent to which the requirements as set out by the various school authorities have been responded to or are in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30582/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the various school building projects at primary and second level in Prosperous, County Kildare, have been advanced or restricted as a result of Covid-19 or other issues in the course of 2020 to date; the extent to which the requirements as set out by the various school authorities have been responded to or are in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30583/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 201, inclusive, together.

The Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve 372 large-scale projects and circa. 800 projects for delivery under the Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme. The pipeline will continue to be monitored to ensure it is aligned with Spending Code requirements and the objectives of Project Ireland 2040.

As the Deputy is aware there were circa 200 school building projects on site in early 2020 when, 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 re-opened on a gradual and phased basis since Monday 18th May. While the construction sites were closed, the pipeline of projects in design continued to be progressed in an online and remote working environment. The progression of this pipeline helped smooth the impact of Covid-19 on the overall rollout of Project Ireland 2040 within the education sector. Throughout the remobilisation process my Department has continued to work closely with school authorities and patron bodies to ensure that projects progress and that where necessary contingency arrangements are in place to deal with any issues as they arise. To date, all school building projects resumed on site with the exception of two and discussions are ongoing with the contractor to recommence construction on both sites.

By way of information, my Department’s website www.education.ie shows the current status of projects being delivered in Kildare and in all other counties. This website is updated on a regular basis to reflect the progress of individual projects through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

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