Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
297. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding additional accommodation scheme applications lodged by a school (details supplied); her Department's engagement with the school of late; the position regarding an emergency works application lodged by the school; the reason a response was not issued within the recommended 15-day timeline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10181/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation. Where there is a need for accelerated delivery of such accommodation my Department utilises Modern Methods of Construction, including my Department's Modular Accommodation Framework, to meet the accommodation need. My Department has additionally put Project Management provision in place to support schools in the expedited delivery of this accommodation.
A Project Manager has been appointed to progress a proposed brief of accommodation for this school. My Department is currently engaging with Projects Managers regarding the accommodation required to meet the needs of the school. My officials remain available to the school authorities in relation to this matter.
The school has also submitted an Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) application for funding for a roof replacement in December 2023. While every effort is made by the EWS team to turn applications around within 15 working days, and despite best efforts, this did not happen on this occasion and I understand that an apology for the delay has already issued to the school. The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works and the school was advised to submit a revised scope of works based on a leak detection test, and an accompanying Itemised Cost Breakdown for the revised scope of works. My Department is currently awaiting this information which, once received, will be assessed by the EWS team. My Department is aware of the urgent nature of these works and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
