Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1050. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the reasons for the delay and the timescales going forward for the commencement of the building of an extension for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30686/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers has a number of devolved building projects in train currently.
Under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme a project was approved in 2018 for the following level of provision: 5 x mainstream classrooms with toilet facilities, 2 science labs & 1 prep area, 1 x Art/Craft room & prefab replacement of 4 mainstream classrooms. Following an initial Stage 1 submission in 2020 and a subsequent a site visit by Department officials some months ago, it was agreed that the scope for this project should be increased. The Department awaits a revised Stage 1 submission in that respect.
Refurbishment works to provide an ASD Class were also approved under the ASA Scheme for 2020. A change order request primarily in respect of the entrance lobby was recently submitted to the Department. This request was approved and the school was advised accordingly on the 19th May 2022.
There is also a significant project progressing for this school to provide 4 x mainstream classrooms in modular accommodation under the Department's Modular Accommodation Framework. Task Order 1 has been issued in this regard and a provider has been appointed to supply and install the accommodation. Following a request by the school to defer construction works onsite, it is expected that works will commence next week. Notwithstanding the delay to the onsite construction, it is expected that the accommodation will be in pace for the start of the 2022-23 school year.
The Department is committed to providing for the short, medium and long-term accommodation needs of this school in as practical and expeditious way as possible and will continue to work closely with the school and its appointed design team towards achieving these goals.
