Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
357. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in the tender process and construction of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11630/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra358. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for a timeline for the commencement and completion of works for a school (details supplied) which was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála in April 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11638/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra361. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite the tender process for construction of permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied); if construction will be completed within the previously announced timeline; and if the permanent accommodation will be completed in advance of the start of the school year commencing 2024. [11666/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra362. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will acknowledge the impact that operating out of temporary accommodation for a prolonged period of time has placed on the children/young people, families and teachers at a school (details supplied); if she will also acknowledge the demonstrated need and urgency for the commencement of a permanent ETSS in Dublin 6 and that planning permission was granted almost two years ago; if she will commit to the immediate construction of the building following the conclusion of the tender process this year and if she will take steps to ensure that there are no further project delays, while at all times keeping the school community updated of all progress and developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 357, 358, 361 and 362 together.
The campus school building project referred to by the Deputies is assigned to my Department’s Design and Build programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
This campus project will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects for 10 schools issued to the Department's Framework of Design and Build Contractors. Given the scale of works involving new purpose-built accommodation for 10 schools, some of which are on campus sites, the tender process involves a very large volume of documentation and drawings. Tender returns have been received and the analysis and review is at an advanced stage.
The Department is very conscious of the importance in getting these projects, including the campus project referred to by the Deputy, delivered as quickly as possible. The due diligence by the Department is a critical part of the overall completion of the Stage 3 process and is critical to ensuring quality and value for money, and that projects are progressed within overall programme parameters.
Once a contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction will commence shortly thereafter.
My Department has delivered interim accommodation on site up to and including the 2025/26 school year, in line with enrolments agreed with the patron body and will continue to liaise with the patron body in relation to interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
