Written Answers Nos. 96-110
96. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if she will consider reviewing the 50% school bus transport capacity limit that is currently in operation in the post-primary service; if so, the timeframe for any such review; if she will consider a goodwill provision for late applications for the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45504/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. This year I have extended measures to all post-primary pupils who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and who have applied and paid on time will be accommodated on school transport services. This arrangement is in place for current school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.
Late applicants and/or families who pay late are not guaranteed a seat and will only be allocated a seat if capacity is available once seats are allocated to those families who applied and paid on time for transport services for the 2021/2022 school year.
Planning for school transport for the 2021/22 school year has proceeded on the basis that the public health measures in place as schools closed at the end of the last school year would remain as term began in this new school year. This includes the recommendations from Public Health that post-primary services would operate at 50% capacity and that masks would be worn. However, as the vaccination programme for children on post-primary services is rolled out and as the lifting of restrictions on public transport services proceeds, the capacity limit of 50% on post-primary school transport services will be subject to ongoing review and the Department will be considering the position in this regard over the coming weeks.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that to date 104,324 pupils, including 54,728 post primary eligible pupils and 14,735 post primary concessionary pupils have been issued tickets for the School Transport Scheme. This number is changing as tickets continue to be allocated to pupils. In the region of 98% of all valid and paid on time applicants have been issued with a ticket.
Should post-primary services resume operating at 100% capacity and where additional vehicles that were provided for social distancing purposes are removed, any spare capacity available will be offered on those services to concessionary pupils or late applicants where such capacity exists.
97. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education if her Department will approve new terms and pay levels that are being sought by school secretaries who are not employed directly within the public services. [45186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool secretaries and caretakers are valued members of our school communities and my Department is fully aware of the vitally important role played by them in the running of our schools.
I welcome the significant progress that has been made through the WRC in recent days. This builds upon previous recommendations of an independent arbitrator for a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 be phased in over that period.
Fórsa trade union has tabled a follow-on claim and officials from the Department and school management bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on the issues. On the 27th of October 2020, under the auspices of the WRC, an understanding was agreed on a pathway to progress the issues.
Following intensive discussions at the WRC on the 13th September, significant progress has been made in this dispute. Subject to agreement on all elements of the claim, the Department has offered to move School Secretaries’ pay rates to a scale which is aligned with the Clerical Officer Grade III pay scale within education and training boards on a pro rata basis with an effective date of implementation for these new pay arrangements of 1st September 2021.
There is also agreement in principle to take the same approach to the consideration of appropriate pay and conditions of grant funded caretakers and when the final package for secretaries has been agreed and an implementation plan in place intensive engagement will begin on achieving that.
I welcome the deferral of the action scheduled for Wednesday 15th September to allow for intensive talks to resume aimed at resolving the claim and agreeing a final package and I look forward to continued progress under the WRC.
98. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education her views on claims that the official advice from her Department regarding carbon dioxide concentrations in classrooms is unsafe and will not aid in reducing transmission of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45717/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGood ventilation was identified as an important aspect of public health advice on managing Covid-19 risks. The establishment of an Expert Group on the matter, alongside a sub-group of the main Expert Group focussed exclusively on the issue of improving and monitoring ventilation in schools earlier this year underlines this,
The outcomes of this work formed the basis for the most recent updating of the ventilation guidance for schools and included recommendations in relation to strengthening the message about the importance of good ventilation and the use of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors.
CO2 is an effective proxy for ventilation but it is not a direct proxy for infection transmission risk. CO2 monitoring can be used to enable a good balance between ventilation, thermal comfort, and energy use.
As part of following through on this work, my Department its updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools in May which is accessible on the Department’s website and also procured CO2 monitors for distribution directly to schools to assist them in managing their ventilation strategy.
The guidance outlines the role that CO2 monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated and can enable occupants to become familiar with the impact of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation.
My Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels. The monitor gives a digital reading but also has an LED display that changes colour like a traffic light. They have pre-set specific bands operating in a “traffic-light style
The digital readings and multi-colour display on the CO2 monitors delivered to schools guide schools on the need to increase ventilation when the reading is above the green display of 800 CO2 parts per million. The practical steps and stepwise approach set out in the Department's guidance will assist good ventilation practices in school while at the same time ensuring an appropriate balance between ventilation and comfort.
If an individual school has particular difficulties in managing ventilation the Department is available to guide and support it as required on the appropriate strategy to address same.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the school building programme to meet the requirements in full throughout the country; if she envisages the need to make any special provisions in sensitive areas affected by demographic demand or old buildings in need of urgent replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45601/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a strong and ambitious rollout of projects under the school building programme to support the operation of the school system particularly in terms of additional capacity requirements.
During the NDP period 2018-2020, there were 526 completed building projects under the Large Scale Capital Programme and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. These projects delivered in excess of 48,000 school places, including permanent accommodation for 229 special classes and additional capacity for 67 classrooms in 14 special schools throughout the country.
There are also currently some 250 school building projects on site many of which will be completed in 2022.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics.
Enrolments and the demand for school places are kept under constant review. For that reason, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographic Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity in order to anticipate school place demand and identify capacity requirement priorities which will necessitate action. The assessment is additionally informed by close engagement with school patrons and the local authorities. This strategic planning for school accommodation needs is important in the context of ensuring alignment with the Government’s Housing for All Plan.
While much progress has been made to date, the continued modernisation of school facilities will be a priority for my Department under the forthcoming revised NDP to 2030. This increased focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock will be further to the continued increase of school capacity to keep pace with demographic demand including provision for Special Education Needs.
100. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Education the status of a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay in submitting the planning application until Q1 2022; when permanent road infrastructure will be constructed, including a footpath and cycleway to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45627/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to provide the permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy is in early architectural planning which involves site surveys, school design stages and the preparation of statutory applications.
As with all school building projects, pre-planning meetings are required with the Local Authority in advance of preparing a Planning Application. This is to ensure the highest probability of a successful planning application in the shortest time possible. A considerable amount of work is required following the pre-planning meeting to prepare a suitably detailed application.
At the pre-planning meeting for the interim accommodation currently on the site, the Local Authority made it clear that the planning application for the permanent accommodation must be cognisant of the overall Shannon Homes Masterplan for the area. Discussions have been ongoing between my Department and Shannon Homes Ltd. in relation to the overall plan for the area. The Shannon Homes Masterplan for the area has been received by my Department and a planning application is being prepared for the additional interim accommodation which the school will require for the 2022/23 academic year.
The permanent road infrastructure, including a footpath and cycleway to the school, is to be constructed by the vendor as a condition of sale of the land. This infrastructure is to be provided on a phased basis in conjunction with the development of the temporary and permanent school facilities.
101. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if her Department has plans for the leaving certificate exams for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45214/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 30 June this year, the Advisory Group on Planning for State Examinations received an update in relation to the 2022 Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations.
Following this meeting, I announced that adjustments would be made to the 2022 examinations which are similar to those that were published in December 2020 in respect of Leaving Certificate 2021.
The adjustments are outlined in the document 'Assessment Arrangements for Junior and Leaving Certificate 2022', which is available online.
These adjustments will leave intact the familiar overall structure of the examinations, while incorporating additional choice for students in the examinations.
The adjustments provide greater choice for candidates across a wide range of subjects.
A summary advice note setting out the key curriculum and assessment arrangements for the Leaving Certificate Applied programme, for Year 1 and Year 2 students in the 2021/22 school year, has also been published and is available online.
It was also announced, on 30 June that the State Examinations Commission will run an alternative set of Leaving Certificate Examinations in 2022, shortly following the main set of examinations. The SEC will set out the eligibility conditions for these examinations, which will be limited to certain students who are unable to sit the main set of examinations due to close family bereavement, COVID-19 illness during those examinations, and certain other categories of serious illness.
The SEC will issue further details regarding these examinations, with all arrangements developed in consultation with public health specialists. There will also be further engagement with stakeholders in this matter.
102. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the status of the school transport review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45672/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. This year I have extended measures to ensure that all post-primary pupils who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and who have applied and paid on time will be accommodated on school transport services. This arrangement is in place for current school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme. Bus Éireann has confirmed that to date 104,324 pupils, including 54,728 post primary eligible pupils and 14,735 post primary concessionary pupils have been issued tickets for the School Transport Scheme. This number is changing as tickets continue to be allocated to pupils. In the region of 98% of all valid and paid on time applicants have been issued with a ticket.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.
My Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
Following commencement of this review the Steering Group recently presented me with an initial interim report on eligibility with an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school. Following consideration of this report, I approved the extension of temporary alleviation measures for transport for post-primary students who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and have applied and paid on time.
Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme will take place in the next phase of the review which is now underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses, with a view to presenting a final report with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.
103. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the criteria for small school status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45647/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraComing from a rural background, I am very much aware of the huge importance of small schools to communities across Ireland and I have asked my Department to work with the education partners to examine ways to support such schools in their communities and to ensure a more sustainable future for them.
In general, small schools are considered to be schools with four teachers or less. There have been a number of positive measures implemented to support this approach including an improvement of one point in the appointment threshold in primary schools which has been introduced for this school year. Schools are now provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 25 pupils which is a historical low ratio. In addition, a three point reduction in the number of students required to retain a teacher has also been introduced for September 2021. These measures will also help to ensure that less pupils are required to recruit or retain a teacher.
This builds on measures in previous budgets which has seen improvements in the overall allocation of teaching posts and specific targeted measures for small and isolated schools as well as primary schools on our islands.
In August I launched the Small Schools Clusters Action Research Project which is an innovative research project which aims to encourage small schools in a number of clusters to collaborate together and identify common challenges and trial innovative solutions. I hope the learning from this project will help inform the policy approach to supporting small schools.
104. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education her plans to increase the capitation grant for primary schools considering the increased costs to schools of Covid-19 safety measures; and the increase in the cost of providing light and heat. [45589/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to Primary and Post-Primary schools by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and the Ancillary/School Services Support Fund (SSSF) to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 has been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.
The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration has been achieved.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets. However I must be prudent in the context of ongoing budgetary pressures giving the current economic circumstances.
In addition, under the COVID-19 response plans, a range of supports are being made available to all recognised schools in the free education scheme. To date more than €158 million of additional capitation funding has been made available to primary and post primary schools to provide for Cleaning, PPE and hand hygiene, Enhanced Supervision and employment of an Aide for the school year 2020/21.
My Department has committed to ensuring that the full range of measures necessary to allow schools operate safely in the Covid-19 environment will continue to be available for the 2021/22 school year and is providing a further €57.6 million of additional capitation funding for Term 1 of the 2021/22 school year.
105. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education if her Department has given a recommendation to primary level schools that semi-contact sports such as hockey and football are not to be played within the current school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is guided by Public Health as to the mitigation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our schools. The aim of all of the Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place for schools is to support schools to operate safely and prevent the introduction of Covid-19 and also the onward of transmission of Covid-19 among the school community. These measures protect pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to. Schools have been told that they should continue to operate the infection prevention and control measures in place in the previous school year. These measure include hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, physical distancing and staying at home if you are unwell.
Physical activity (PE) is viewed as important part of the school curriculum and pupils should be encouraged to participate in PE provided they are well.
In addition the Government’s plan for the final phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic “COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting” outlines that outdoor group activities can now take place without restrictions.
This would include sports such as hockey and football. Ultimately it is a matter for each individual school to determine what extracurricular sports the school partakes in. Schools participating in sporting events and activities should refer to the relevant guidelines provided by the various sporting governing bodies.
106. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education her plans to accommodate the expanding education needs in Tramore, County Waterford with a view both to lands zoned for education and demographic pressures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45660/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers that the existing schools in Tramore are positioned to meet the educational needs arising from the increased population projected in the draft Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 -2028.
There are four mainstream primary schools in Tramore and one post-primary school. A significant extension has recently been completed at one of the primary schools and a major capital project is being planned for another of the primary schools.
The post-primary school has a recently completed new building.
My Department has analysed the projected demographic demand for school places in Tramore up to 2028 and considers that in light of the underlying demographics that the existing facilities will meet demand when account is taken of the planned works.
The population of Tramore was 10,381 people in the 2016 Census. The draft Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 plan projects that the population will have increased by 1,168 people to a total of 11,549 by 2031 (an increase of c. 11%).
Tramore is served by four mainstream primary schools and one post-primary school.
The Department has considered the capacity of the existing facilities to meet the projected population increase by taking account of the demographic data of the existing population and including the projected requirements arising from the increase.
In the case of Tramore, the increase in school place requirements resulting from the projected population increase is mitigated by the decline in school place requirements as a result of the underlying demographics of the area. Primary school enrolments in Tramore reached a peak in 2020 and are projected to decline annually for the next six years at least. At post-primary level, enrolments are expected to reach a peak next year, 2022 and to decline steadily over the following years.
107. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of progress and the timelines for the delivery of new school accommodation for primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45436/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe status of the major building projects referred to by the Deputy is as follows:-
Scoil Chronain 19530H
The permanent school building project for Scoil Chronáin has been assigned to my Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
The planning application for the project was submitted on the 18th August 2021. It is not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
St Thomas JNS & Scoil Áine SNS, Lucan RN 19542R & 19676P
The Board of Management of both these schools have recently agreed to a new schedule of accommodation to include a new 24 classroom school and 3 classroom Special Education Needs base for each school on the existing school site. My Department will be in further contact with the schools in the context of the steps to be taken to progress the project to the next stage of the architectural planning process.
Divine Mercy JNS 19865S & SNS RN 20187H
The major building project for Divine Mercy Jnr & Snr schools is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design. The replacement Consultant Architect is currently carrying out a due diligence review of the Stage 2(b) tender documentation, previously prepared, in conjunction with the other Design Team members. The Consultant Architect will then submit a Due Diligence Report to my Department for review. Upon review, my Department will be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of this project, including pre-qualification of contractors.
Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain/Gaelscoil na Camogie, Clondalkin RN 19855P/19991A
The building project for Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain, and Gaelscoil na Camóige is currently at tender stage. A Stage 3 tender report identifying a recommended bidder has been submitted to my Department. An initial review has been carried out, however, further information/clarification has been requested from the Design Team. Upon receipt of same, a further review will be carried out.
108. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education her plans to improve supports for children with special needs and to ensure that such supports are put in place in a timely manner and eliminate delays in sanctioning posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45434/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs to schools.
The provision of education for children with special needs is an ongoing priority for Government. The numbers of special classes, special education teachers and Special Needs Assistants are at unprecedented levels.
The Department will spend approximately €2 Billion, or over 20% of its total educational budget on making additional provision for children with special educational needs in 2021.
This represents an increase of over 50% in total expenditure since 2011, at which point €1.247 Billion per annum was provided.
For the 2021/22 school year 2,118 special classes have been provided. This is an increase of 269 classes from the previous school year and will ensure that approximately 12,700 special class places will be available this year, including 1,600 new special class places.
Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased by almost 386% from 548 to 2,118 for the 2021/2022 school year.
Budget 2021 provided for an additional 990 additional SNAs for allocation to schools, bringing the total numbers to 18,000 by December 2021.
This allocation of SNAs is to meet the care needs of pupils in 2021 and will enable the establishment of new special classes, creation of new places in special schools, support children in mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year.
This will represent an increase of increase of 70% in the number of SNAs provided since 2011 at which point 10,575 SNAs were available.
The NCSE have published the SNA allocations on their website www.ncse.ie.
Where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/for-schools.
The NCSE manages the exceptional review process and handles each case individually. Some review requests can be concluded as an office based exercise, whilst others require a school to be visited. The timeframe for concluding a review can vary depending on the school context or the nature of the information provided.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. The Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations. Accordingly, the question has been referred to the NCSE for direct reply.
109. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education her plans for increasing of ASD places in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W areas; the timeline on the delivery of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45449/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
The level of investment in special education, at almost €2 billion, is at an all-time high.
An additional 269 special classes are being opened this school-year. This will bring the total number of special classes nationally to 2,118. The new classes provide 1,600 additional places, spread right throughout the country.
Two new special schools are also opening this year, one in Dublin and one in Cork.
Despite this unprecedented increase, I am very aware of the need for further specialist education places in a small number of areas, mainly concentrated in Dublin.
Currently, there are fifteen special classes for students with autism attached to mainstream primary and post-primary schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W, ten of which opened this September. This also includes an Early Intervention class, providing placements for students in the area.
I acknowledge that any delay in securing a suitable school placement can cause much anguish for parents and families involved.
Delays can happen for a variety of reasons including, for example, assessment reports for children becoming available over the summer period while schools were closed. In other cases, parents may change their preference for a class placement and request that their child move from a mainstream class to a special class.
My Department and the NCSE have therefore put in place new planning structures and procedures to ensure sufficient places become available to meet local need. As new need emerges, there is a cohesive response available to ensure places become available in a timely and targeted way.
The willingness of school communities to open special classes is central to ensuring that every child can obtain a suitable placement. My Department and the NCSE can provide the necessary funding, teaching and SNA resources, professional supports and training so that the required special class places can be provided as soon as possible.
Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) are working closely with parents and schools to address the needs of the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W areas. My Department will support their work in any way necessary to ensure the required number of school places become available as quickly as possible.
110. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of the progress and timelines for delivery of new school accommodation for post-primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45435/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe status of major building projects is as follows:
Holy Family Community School, Rathcoole (RN 91301D)
This 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. The Stage 2(b) report has been reviewed and the Design Team is currently carrying out a final review of its tender documentation and will arrange to submit Design Team Confirmations as soon as this exercise is complete. The Design Team has recently completed the pre-qualification process. Upon receipt of Design Team Confirmations and subject to no issues arising my Department will be in contact with the Design Team and school with regard to the further progression of this project to the next stage of architectural planning, Stage 3 Tender Stage. Subject to no issues arising a tender normally takes between 6 and 8 months to complete.
St. Joseph's College, Lucan (RN 62063V)
This project is also at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) Detailed Design. The Stage 2(b) report has been reviewed by my Department and comments have issued to the Design Team who have been requested to carry out a final review of all of its tender documentation to ensure compliance with Department requirements and to submit written confirmation from each Design Team member when this work has been completed. The pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of contractors has been completed. Upon receipt of Design Team Confirmations and subject to no issues arising, my Department will be in contact with the Design Team and school with regard to the further progression of this project to the next stage of architectural planning, Stage 3 Tender Stage. Subject to no issues arising, a tender normally takes between 6 and 8 months to complete.
Griffeen Community College (RN 76454S)
The permanent school building project for Griffeen Community College has been assigned to my Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
An application for Planning Permission in respect of the works was submitted to the relevant Local Authority in June 2021. A Request for Further Information (RFI) has being received and my Department’s Project Manager are actively working on the response to the RFI which will issue as soon as possible.
It is not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
Lucan Community College (RN 70080T)
This project is also 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. The Stage 2(b) report has been reviewed and the Design Team has carried out a final review of all tender documentation and provided my Department with Design Team Confirmations that this final review has been carried out. The pre-qualification process, to select a shortlist of candidates to whom the project will be tendered, is nearing completion. Upon completion, my Department will be in contact with the school Patron with regard to the further progression of this project to the next stage of architectural planning, Stage 3 Tender Stage. Subject to no issues arising, a tender normally takes between 6 and 8 months to complete.
