Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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59. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a date has been established for the commencement of the construction of a school (details supplied); the length of time the construction will take; when he expects the new school to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49504/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The major school building project for the Schools to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2(b) Detailed Design which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.  The Stage 2(b) submission for the project has been reviewed by the Department and comments have issued to the school and its’ Design Team.

The Design Team have been requested to carry out one final review of all of its tender documentation for both the Main Contract and Reserved Specialists to ensure compliance with the Department’s requirements and submit written confirmation from each Design Team member that they have completed this review and are satisfied that the Tender Documents are complete, correct and in compliance with Department and Building Control (Amendment) Regulations tender documentation requirements.

The pre-qualification of contractors for the main and reserved specialist contract involves the compiling of a shortlist of contractors to ensure that there are a number of appropriate and suitable candidates who can undertake the works successfully. The Design Team are currently completing the pre-qualification process.

In March of this year, a letter issued to the school and its Design Team outlining a projected timeframe for progression of this project to tender and construction stage in Quarter 1 2019.

On 11^thApril this year the Department authorised the Design Team to commence the pre-qaulification of Contractors. However, the design team have experienced significant delays in completing this process. My Department has provided extensive advice and guidance to the design team throughout the process including meeting directly with them twice in May and July of this year.

Due to the delays encountered by the Design Team in the pre-qualification process, it is now expected that the project will commence construction on site in mid 2019.  

The design team are currently indicating that a 24 month construction period is envisaged for this project.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for building works at a school (details supplied). [49462/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is currently considering the school's application for additional accommodation. My Department expects to be in a position to convey a decision on the application to the school authority shortly.