Written answers

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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371. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project (details supplied); the timeframe for progression of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13795/20]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design which includes the application for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

A revised Stage 2(b) submission has been received in the Department and is currently under review. The Stage 2(b) submission is a detailed and complex set of documents including all tender documents.

As soon as the review of the revised submission is complete the Department will be in contact with school and it’s Design Team with regard to the further progression of the project.

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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372. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) went to tender for full indoor refurbishment; when the work will commence; the timeline for completion of works; if the school is unable to open in August or September 2020 due to works not being completed, if pupils will still go to another school; if so, if school bus transport will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13803/20]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the project to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to the school authority under my Department's Summer Works Scheme. As such, it is a matter for the school authority to progress the project.

I can inform the Deputy that we are aware from our engagement with the school with respect to this project that it will not be completed in time for September 2020 as the tragic and extremely difficult issues that arose in the school last year have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 situation. The Department fully appreciates that this is extremely disappointing and frustrating for the entire school community given that they have already spent an entire school year without access to their school building.

I can assure everyone associated with the project that the school authority and its design team, supported by the Department, has done and is doing everything it can to ensure the earliest possible return to the school whilst ensuring that the quality and integrity of the works that need to be completed are protected. In that respect, a significant milestone in progressing the project was achieved on the 26th of June 2020 as the tender for the works in question was advertised on the e-Tenders system. I can also assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to support the contingency arrangements that are currently in place for the school.

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