Duncan Smith
Ceist:312. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the delivery of a new school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5487/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 February 2025
Ceisteanna (312)
Freagraí scríofa
Since 2020, my department has invested over €5.7 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 1,150 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes new school buildings some of which are being delivered in phases. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.3bn.
Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in this latest phase, investments by the Department of Education are adding over 550,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities right around the country.
The school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will provide a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
It is intended that the project will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Integrated Project Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
The ADAPT 4 Programme will be led by Integrated Project Teams (IPT’s), consisting of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects. AECOM as the Programme Manager are overseeing the procurement and appointment of the IPT’s. It is anticipated that the IPT's for the tranche of projects including the project referred to by the Deputy will be appointed later this year.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will keep the schools and patron body informed of the progression of this project.