Written answers

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects Status

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review of secondary school provision in south County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49535/18]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently advancing building projects in a number of post-primary schools in the South Kildare school planning areas and these projects, when completed, will provide additional capacity in the region of 1,700 school places.

The Government recently announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019-2022).  In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. While this announcement did not include a new post-primary school in the area referred to by the Deputy, a review of provision at post-primary school level across the school planning areas in South Kildare is now well advanced and nearing completion. The outcome of the review will be finalised and made available as soon as possible.

This review will include an assessment of the extent to which projected needs in the area will be met from the additional capacity being provided by the projects already approved and how any specific additional needs will be best catered for, recognising the importance of maintaining a balance between existing and any additional school provision. 

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the redevelopment of school buildings for schools (details supplied) in Dublin 22 will be expedited; if he will provide emergency solutions for those leaking prefabs during the construction of replacement buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49305/18]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, 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). All statutory approvals have been secured.

The Stage 2(b) report was submitted to my Department in late September 2018 and following an initial review was deemed incomplete. The report has been returned to the Design Team for revision, along with guidance comments from my Department. The Design Team is currently completing work on a revised submission.

Upon receipt and review of the revised Stage 2(b) report, my Department will advise the Board of Management of the timeline for the progression of this project to tender and construction.

The School Authorities should apply to my Department for replacement temporary accomodation in order to address their current accomodation needs. 

Photo of Shane CassellsShane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the progression of a school (details supplied); the anticipated commencement date for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49497/18]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The school referred to by the Deputy will be part of a shared campus. The building project will deliver a new Post Primary school and the new special school building will provide an area of 3,746sqm with 11 classrooms and associated ancillary accommodation to cater for pupils with a range of learning disabilities.

The project has recently completed Stage 2a (Developed Design Stage) and has been authorised to proceed to Stage 2b which includes Detailed Design and the preparation of tender documents.

Planning permission for this particular project was sought earlier than usual in the architectural planning process, during Stage 2(a) as a means to identify any potential issues which might arise.

This project is included in the 6 year construction programme and is scheduled therein to go to construction 2019 - 2021. 

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