Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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50. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects works to commence on a new school building for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2741/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The major school building project for St. Patrick's 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 my Department and comments have issued to the school and its Design Team.

The Design Team has 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. These confirmations are currently awaited.

In order to expedite this project, my Department authorised the pre-qualification of contractors in April 2018. 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 completed the pre-qualification process in December 2018.

My Department understands from the school and its Design Team that they are currently engaged with Fingal County Council in relation to a portion of land outside the school site, the use of which will minimise disruption to the school during construction. When this process has been concluded, the Design Team will be in a position to submit the requested Stage 2(b) confirmations and this project will then be progressed to tender. A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.

Upon completion of tender stage the project will then be progressed to construction stage. A 24 month construction period is currently envisaged for this project.

My Department is fully committed to getting the project delivered as quickly as possible.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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51. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are specific barriers preventing a school (details supplied) which was granted an extension and refurbishment ten years ago from progressing to the tender stage of the project. [2641/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the project to which she refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education & Training Board (DDLETB). The Department is currently liaising with DDLETB with a view to resolving some issues that have arisen in respect of the project. These issues need to be addressed prior to proceeding to tender stage.

My Department acknowledges that the delivery of this project has taken longer than originally envisaged. I want to assure the Deputy that when the remaining issues are resolved my Department will be giving approval for the project to proceed to tender and construction.