Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Any school building project must first complete the design stages of architectural planning before progressing to the tender and construction stages.

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers entails the construction of a new multi-storey extension of approximately 2,972 square metres and demolition of the existing school building.

The project is currently completing stage 2(a) of architectural planning. architectural planning.

The school had submitted a Brief Change Request and the Department met recently with the school and their Design Team to review their revised Stage 2a submission. The Design Team outlined that the Stage 2a work for this school took longer than anticipated due to the particular site conditions. The site itself is deeply contoured with a significant metre level difference from the main entrance falling down to the back of the site. A phasing plan for the delivery of the accommodation is also required having regard to the need to keep the main school in operation on a daily basis.

At the recent meeting my Department officials approved the Brief Change Request and informed the school and their Design Team to proceed to Stage 2b - Detailed Design and to obtain statutory approvals including planning permission.

The school also requested approval for a landscape consultant and an acoustic consultant to assist with the building project and my Department has approved these services.