Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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129. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school extension (details supplied) will commence construction; if this will be expedited in view of the circumstances in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40172/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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 2(b) submission has been reviewed by the Department and comments were issued to the school and its Design Team. My Department requested confirmations from the Design Team that it carries out one final reviewof 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.

In order to expedite this project, the Department, on 17th September 2018, authorised the school and its design team to commence the pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of contractors for this project. Pre-qualification normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.

When the pre-qualification process is complete and the requested confirmations have been received, the Department will be in contact with the Board of Management with a view to progressing the project to tender stage.

In March 2018, my Department issued a letter to the school and its Design Team outlining the projected timeframe for the progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved.