John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Gallagher for bringing this very important matter to the attention of the Department. I know he has been to the forefront of promoting this project for a long period. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy McHugh, I wish to outline to the House the current position regarding a new building project for Ballybay community college. I can confirm to the Senator that my Department has received a request from Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, CMETB, for additional accommodation for Ballybay community college. The request has been given careful consideration. In that respect, I am pleased to inform the House that approval has been given for the provision of a stand-alone extension to the existing accommodation of the school. As the Senator correctly said, this extension will include two general classrooms, a science lab and a science preparation area. The project is being funded under my Department's additional accommodation scheme.

As is usual with such projects, its delivery has been devolved to CMETB. It is being progressed with a view to resolving the issues referred to by the Senator and to increasing the accommodation that it currently occupies. Under my Department's additional accommodation scheme, the next step in progressing this project is for the CMETB to arrange for a consultant to carry out the work necessary to bring it through the various stages of architectural planning and onwards through construction in due course. The board will also engage with the Department at various stages in the process in that context. The first stage in the process will be the completion of a detailed design for the project. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, the CMETB will be required to seek approval from the Department at this stage, namely, stage 2(a), of the design process. The Department will review the designs presented to it in that respect. Subject to the Department being satisfied with these proposals, it may then authorise the board to proceed to lodge a planning application for the project.The CMETB will then bring the project through the planning process and may need to revert again to the Department, depending on the outcome. At that stage, subject to departmental approval and the tender process, the board and its consultant will proceed to tender for the contractor to carry out the building works. This project will supersede an earlier project, which, as the Senator will be aware, was for the provision of a science laboratory and preparation area only. This project had been approved but could not proceed due to the significant cost and design challenges. The entire approved provision for the project is now included in the revised provision. I am delighted to make this announcement. I am sure the pupils, staff, parents and the entire community of Ballybay and its catchment area will benefit from this critical extension project.