Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Ceisteanna (337)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

337. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education , further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 19 October 2023, the timeline for when the promised second modular classroom to accommodate the ASD unit at a school (details supplied) will be delivered and operational; the reason for the delay in the delivery of the unit; the details of any engagement with the company building the unit, particularly on the delays in delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10821/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As the Deputy is aware, my Department approved a project for the provision of modular accommodation in respect of a special education class under the Additional School Accommodation scheme.

In order to assist the school authority in the delivery of this accommodation, my Department arranged under its procurement framework for a project manager namely Kerrigan Sheanan Newman Construction consultants (KSN) to manage the design, tender and construction of the project. The Department is working closely with Project Managers and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure this project and the Department’s wider ambitious programme of modular accommodation is completed as soon as possible and to minimise the impact of challenging market conditions and contingencies such as adverse weather has on such projects. The project referred to by the Deputy is currently on-site and is expected to be practically completed shortly. The project manager also engages with the school authority directly to update it on project progression.