Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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251. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the major building project for a school (details supplied); if consideration has been given to an earlier profile for commencement of construction than Q3 2019 in view of the urgent need for the school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43214/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design.

The outcome of the pre-qualification process for the main contract has been notified to contractors who expressed interest in tendering for this project.  Feedback and issues arising from same is currently being dealt with by the Design Team.  When this process has concluded the project will then be progressed to tender stage.

The project is currently profiled to commence construction in Q3 2019. However, the Department has advised the school that if the project is in a position to commence construction earlier in 2019, the Department can facilitate this.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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252. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the proposed extension of a school (details supplied); the status of the project; the timeline for completion of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43215/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included on my Department's 6-Year Construction Programme.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the project is progressing to the architectural planning stage and is expected to be delivered by an external agency to my Department. Arrangements are currently being made in this regard and my Department will be in further contact with the school when these arrangements have been finalised.  

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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253. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the proposed extension of a school (details supplied); the status of the project; the timeline for completion of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43216/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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This project is currently at Stage 2B of Architectural Planning.  Statutory Approvals comprising Planning Permission, Disability Access Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate have been granted.

My Department has authorised the project to proceed to carry out the pre-qualification of contractors which normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. The pre-qualification ensures that there are a number of appropriate and suitable candidates who can undertake the works successfully. The advertisement for the pre-qualification of the main contractor for this school project has been published on e-tenders and the Official Journal of the European Union.

When the pre-qualification process has been completed the project will then progress to Stage 3 which is tender and appointment of contractors. The building project for this school is included in my Department's 6-year Capital Building Programme, 2016-2021.