Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when approval will be granted for a school (details supplied) to proceed to pre-qualification of contractors for the tender stage; the reason for the delay in proceeding to this stage to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18185/19]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

117. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a new school project (details supplied) will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18186/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

The major building project for the school referred to by the deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b (Detailed Design).  The Stage 2(b) submission has been reviewed by my Department and comments have issued to the school and its Design Team.

The Design Team is currently working on a submission to my Department outlining the steps required to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations 2017 (NZEB "Near Zero Energy Building").  This is a new requirement arising from the introduction of Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations to ensure compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). 

When the NZEB submission has been received my Department at that point will consider authorising this project to commence the pre-qualification process to create a shortlist of contractors to which the project will be tendered.