Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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672. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the second-level building programme in Maynooth, County Kildare; when the new school building will be complete; the works that will remain to be done after the handover in advance of it being occupied; when it will be occupied; if interim measures are being put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20105/20]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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744. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if school building projects currently in progress, such as a project (details supplied) are scheduled for completion as originally anticipated; the extent to which interim arrangements are in place to meet any further unforeseen difficulties; when such schools are likely to open, if on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21039/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 and 744 together.

I can inform the Deputies that the particular project to which they refer has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

The Covid-19 situation has impacted on the timeline for delivery of this project to the extent that the project will not now be fully completed by September 2020. In that context, KWETB, supported by my Department, has put in place contingency arrangements to provide for the needs of the schools in question until their new buildings are fully ready for occupation in October.

In respect of projects generally, I can inform the Deputy that each individual project is subject to its own particular circumstances and the timeline for delivery of each project can vary depending on those circumstances.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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673. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new community college in Celbridge, County Kildare; the estimated time frame for the various stages; the estimated time frame for the delivery and occupation of the new school premises; if an interim arrangement will be needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20106/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm for the Deputy that agreement in principle has been reached with a landowner for the acquisition of a site at Donaghcumper, Celbridge. This site is presently proposed to facilitate the permanent accommodation needs of St. Patrick's National School, Celbridge Community School and St. Raphael's Special School on a campus type arrangement. Work is progressing and is ongoing in respect of technical matters crucial to the delivery of the acquisition. We are continuing to actively engage regularly with Kildare Co. Co. and the Landowner - in relation to same. It remains a priority for the Department to make progress on this acquisition. Due to the commercially sensitive nature of site acquisitions in general, I am unable to elaborate further but please rest assured that this project is being given our full attention.

In regard to interim accommodation my Department has approved significant interim accommodation for the school which the Deputy refers to. The installation of this accommodation has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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674. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new school on the Mercy Convent site in Naas, County Kildare; the expected delivery date for the completion of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20107/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Board of Management of Mercy Convent School has been through the formal dispute resolution process resulting in April of this year of the termination of the obligation of the Main Contractor to complete the construction of the new school building.

The Board of Management and its Design Team have carried out a full assessment of the partially constructed building and are currently exploring arrangements with a view to making the building weather-proof pending the appointment of a completion contractor.

The Design Team has also commenced the process of drawing up tender documents to hold a tender competition to appoint a completion contractor as soon as possible.