Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the completion of construction of a school (details supplied); when it will be ready for occupation in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50878/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the school building project to which the Deputy refers.

The project had been scheduled for completion for September 2018. However, the contractor experienced a number of issues such as unforeseen ground conditions and the severe weather events which we will all remember from earlier this year. Consequently, the likely completion date for the project is now April 2019.

I know how disappointing this is for the school and I understand how difficult it is for it to manage out a growing enrolment until its new building is in place. It is, however, in the nature of any building project, whether it is a school, an office block or a house, that unforeseen issues can arise. The objective always is to deal with these as efficiently as possible to minimise delay.

The project is being delivered by the local County Council which is continuing to pursue the contractor for as speedy a delivery of the project as possible. The Council has the full support of my Department in its efforts to achieve this without compromising the integrity of the building being delivered.

To ensure that the school is kept fully up to date with progress on the project, the County Council has been updating the Board of Management on a monthly basis. This approach will provide accurate and precise information to help the school to plan and manage its needs until its permanent accommodation is available.