Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of applications for either new building or improvement works by schools (details supplied); the options being considered for the new school buildings; the timeframe for their delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22425/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistrí

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 1 of the Architectural Planning Process.

Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief.

Once the Stage 1 submission has been received and reviewed by my Department a meeting will be arranged with the school authorities and its Design Team to review and progress the design proposals.

The project will be progressed through the normal stages of architectural planning and it will be a matter for the school and its design team to expedite the progression of the design through those stages.

St. Mary's National School, Stranorlar

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

The Stage 2b submission has been reviewed by my Department and comments issued to the school and its Design Team in December 2017.

My Department also requested confirmations from the Design Team that it has carried out one final review of all of its tender documentation to ensure compliance with DoES requirements. The Design Team has been requested to submit written confirmation from each Design Team member including the PSDP that they have completed this review and are satisfied that the Tender Documents are complete, correct and in compliance with DoES and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R) tender documentation requirements. A response is awaited.

A letter recently issued to the school and its Design Team advising them of a timeframe for the progression of this project including the Pre-Qualification of Contractors.

Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town

I can confirm that my Department received a major capital application for an extension and refurbishment works in relation to the school to which the Deputy refers. A major project for the school in question is not included in the current 6 Year Construction Programme and in that context, it is not possible to give a timeframe for progression of a major project for the school at this time. In that regard, my Department has been liaising with the relevant ETB, as Patron for the school and the ETB has submitted a revised Additional School Accommodation Application in respect of the immediate requirements. This application is being considered and a decision will issue directly to the school authority shortly.

Furthermore, an extension comprising a 2 classroom ASD unit of 552m2 (the maximum floor space allowable) was approved for the school in question in March 2016. In June 2017, the ETB sought an enhancement to include elements of refurbishment to the existing building and the relocation of existing rooms. This was approved subject to a revised front entrance plan, bringing the overall additional build area to 582m2. This project which has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board is currently at stage 2 A of the architectural planning process.