Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the completion of a proposed new school (details supplied); the reason for the long delay; the amount of rent which continues to be paid each year for the privately rented premises on Parnell Square; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41498/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Following a review of the brief for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, my Department has approved a significant increase to the brief, which will now provide a 16 classroom school on the site at Dominick Street. The original brief was for an 8 classroom school.   

Due to this increase in the scope of works for the project, my Department will tender for a replacement Design Team to take the project forward to Stage 2B – Detailed Design Stage, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate, Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of Tender Documents.  The need to replace the design team arises from a fees uplift request for each member of the design team which greatly exceeded the 50% upper limit increase allowed under the EU Procurement Directive.

My Department provides grant aid of €328, 227.20 per annum to the school for annual rental of the temporary accommodation.

The Department is anxious to provide permanent accommodation for Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire and in this context it is committed to advancing the building project for the permanent school building as quickly as possible. However, until the new design team is appointed and it reports to the Department it will not be possible to provide a more indicative timeframe for the completion of the project.