Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the length of time a school (details supplied) has been at the pre-qualification stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39758/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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This building project is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.

The project is currently at Stage 2B of the Architectural Planning process – Detailed Design Stage which includes securing statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. The pre-qualification of contractors process to compile a shortlist of suitable contractors is complete and tender documentation is being finalised.  

Stage 2(b) Detailed Design is arguably the most complex and detailed of all the stages in Architectural Planning. In addition to securing the necessary statutory approvals it also includes the preparation of complex and detailed tender documents. In completing Stage 2(b), Design Teams are now required to upgrade design details to ensure that new school buildings are Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) in compliance with the 2017 amendment to Part L of the current Building Regulations.

The next step for this project is Stage 3 - tender stage which normally takes 7-8 months to complete. My Department will be in contact shortly with the school and Design Team regarding the progression of this project.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39761/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the project to which the Deputy refers provides for two mainstream classrooms and a WC for assisted users under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this project has been approved to proceed to the planning application stage.

The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority so it is now a matter for the Board of Management to advance the project.