Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
434. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances that have caused a school building project (details supplied) to be delayed and ultimately having to be retendered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra435. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a detailed revised timeline for the completion of the school building project at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50152/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.
The school referred to by the Deputy is at Stage 3 (Tender Action and Award). It was initially at an advanced stage of the tender process, but the recommended bidder notified the Design Team that due to market conditions, they were not in a position to accept the contract.
At the same time, the Design Team were liaising with Donegal County Council in relation to an application for temporary accommodation. They were informed that due to changes to the Planning Acts in September 2021, it was no longer possible to apply for an extension to the planning permission for the main building project and a new application would have to be submitted.
My Department authorised the Design Team to proceed with a new tender process, including the shortlisting of contractors, to run parallel with the new planning application. The new prequalification notices have been published on e-tenders.
Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged that works could commence on site in Quarter 2 of 2023 with a completion timeframe of approximately 27 months thereafter.
