James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to the Seanad the current position on the major building project for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire on Dominick Street, Dublin 1.I know that Senator Fitzpatrick has done Trojan work on schools and young people in the area and I was delighted to meet with Senator Fitzpatrick at the north inner city youth diversion project recently. Her constant commitment to young people is very much welcome.

I also know that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, is also committed to schools within this area, as he is to young people, including youth diversion projects, and I thank him for his ongoing commitment. I know this school is a priority for both the Senator and the Minister. The major building project for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire is included in the Department's construction programme which is being delivered under the national development plan. The brief is to provide for the construction of a 16-classroom primary school, ancillary rooms, library, resource room and a general-purpose hall with basement on a brownfield site at Dominick Street, Dublin 1.

The design team stage 2(b) confirmations and the completion of the prequalification process were completed on 23 September 2022 and the project commenced the tender stage. Tenders were returned on 16 January 2023 and a tender report was received by the Department in February 2023 and is currently under review.

A tender stage normally takes between eight and 12 months to complete. The design team estimated a 24-month construction period. I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach.