Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Sherlock. Yes, I am a Minister of State at the Department of Education but my responsibility is for special education so this matter does not fall under my remit. I will, however, take the Senator's concerns back to the Minister, Deputy Foley. I hope I will be able to give the Senator a comprehensive response which will address some of the issues she has raised.

As the Senator knows, this project is included in the Department's construction programme, which is being delivered under the national development plan. The brief is to provide a new 16-classroom school on a site being purchased by the Department from Dublin City Council. This new school building will abut and be directly connected to the listed building on the neighbouring site. Planning permission was secured for this project on 28 May 2020 on the basis of a proposed amended right of way. Discussions have been ongoing with the owner of the neighbouring property with a view to finalising an agreement in respect of the proposed amended right of way and matters arising from the abuttal of the two buildings.

The major building project for this school is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. As the Senator mentioned, this is stage 2B which involves the detailed design work. This includes the applications for planning permission, a fire certificate and a disability access certificate as well as the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured but amendment to these approvals may be needed if there are changes agreed in relation to the right of way which impact on them. The design team is currently working to complete the stage 2B report which, upon completion, will be submitted to the Department for review. However, it is not possible for the design team to complete drawings and costings relating to the final design until such time as final agreement between all parties in relation to an amended right of way has been agreed. In parallel with this work, any consequent statutory approvals or compliance issues will need to be addressed and the legal position relating to the right of way will be addressed.

In order to expedite the progression of this project, in January of this year the Department authorised the design team to commence the pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of contractors for this project in parallel with the completion of the stage 2B report. The design team is in the process of completing the pre-qualification process. Upon receipt, review and approval of the stage 2B report and completion of the pre-qualification process the project will progress to tender and construction stages.

I understand the Department has met with representatives of the school on a number of occasions in recent months and I have confirmed the Department's commitment to the delivery of this project. The Department and the design team will continue to keep the school fully informed regarding the further progression of this project. I understand that a progress review meeting with the school authorities, the patron body, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, and the design team leader is scheduled for today. The current position and next steps will be discussed at this meeting.

The Department has told me that it is committed to the progression of this project and will endeavour to assist the school in every way possible. I have heard what the Senator has said with regard to the rent being paid, the delay, communications from the Department of Education, the building of four storeys over a basement in which the school is situated, the plasterwork, the lack of a lift and the lack of clarity and progress. She can rest assured that the Department will be aware that she has raised these matters in the House today. All of her concerns will be brought back to the Minister, Deputy Foley. I will personally let her know about them.