Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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409. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a project (details supplied); the details of delays to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35976/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the delivery of this project has been devolved to Louth County Council (LCC).  The project is currently advancing through the Stage 2B Detailed Design Process. Fire Safety Certificates and Disabled Access Certificates were received in late 2018, and a preliminary Health and Safety Plan was completed in late April. This is a challenging project to plan as significant archaeological finds have been recorded in and around the vicinity of the site. There is also a need to carefully plan and design the site's road access from the N52. This prolonged the planning process, but planning permission was granted in July 2018.

The project's Quantity Surveyor is currently working with the Design Team to ensure that the proposed building achieves maximum value-for-money. My Department is being appraised of developments by the Design Team in monthly Progress Reports. The Design Team recently confirmed that preparation of the Stage 2B tender documentation will be completed shortly. This will allow the project to proceed to tender.