Written answers

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Department of Education and Science

Schools Building Projects

8:00 am

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 1459: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the new post primary school for Phibblestown will start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1147/07]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I have given the go ahead for a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown, Dublin 15. This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate and Laytown under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money.

The Phibblestown school has taken longer than expected due to difficulties in acquiring the site. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as part of my Department's partnership with Fingal County Council the site purchase can now be concluded. The site is almost 8.5 acres in size and the legalities on the site purchase will be completed by County Dublin Vocational Education Committee. My Department has appointed Project Managers to oversee the delivery of these projects and they are currently arranging for the sites to be surveyed.

The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design of these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. My Department is working closely with County Dublin and County Meath Vocational Education Committees on the delivery of these projects. Assuming there are no delays during the design and planning permission phases it is envisaged that the schools will be completed as close as possible to the 2009/2010 school year.

In the meantime my Department has requested the two VECs to submit their interim accommodation requirements so that the new schools can become operational in advance of the completion of the new permanent school buildings. The Department will ensure that these interim accommodation requests will be dealt with speedily and positively in order to ensure that appropriate school provision is in place in these rapidly developing areas.

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