Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
144. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the deep anger amongst parents and teachers at a school (details supplied) at the failure of her Department to commence its new school buildings in the timelines laid down by the planning authorities; and if her Department will fast-track these works should planning permission be granted again. [58170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. A new Planning application has been submitted to Donegal County Council and a decision is due in the coming weeks.
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.
