Written answers

Tuesday, 14 June 2022

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects

Photo of James LawlessJames Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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1050. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons for the delay and the timescales going forward for the commencement of the building of an extension for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30686/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers has a number of devolved building projects in train currently.

Under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme a project was approved in 2018 for the following level of provision: 5 x mainstream classrooms with toilet facilities, 2 science labs & 1 prep area, 1 x Art/Craft room & prefab replacement of 4 mainstream classrooms. Following an initial Stage 1 submission in 2020 and a subsequent a site visit by Department officials some months ago, it was agreed that the scope for this project should be increased. The Department awaits a revised Stage 1 submission in that respect.

Refurbishment works to provide an ASD Class were also approved under the ASA Scheme for 2020. A change order request primarily in respect of the entrance lobby was recently submitted to the Department. This request was approved and the school was advised accordingly on the 19th May 2022.

There is also a significant project progressing for this school to provide 4 x mainstream classrooms in modular accommodation under the Department's Modular Accommodation Framework. Task Order 1 has been issued in this regard and a provider has been appointed to supply and install the accommodation. Following a request by the school to defer construction works onsite, it is expected that works will commence next week. Notwithstanding the delay to the onsite construction, it is expected that the accommodation will be in pace for the start of the 2022-23 school year.

The Department is committed to providing for the short, medium and long-term accommodation needs of this school in as practical and expeditious way as possible and will continue to work closely with the school and its appointed design team towards achieving these goals.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1051. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the final costs in respect of a roof, window installations and render finish to a school in Naas, County Kildare (details supplied); if a tender issued for these works; the total costs to date paid to the design team of the project; the amount expended to keep the site secure; and the duration of the security contract. [30700/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy has been through a formal dispute resolution process resulting in the termination of the obligation of the Main Contractor to complete the construction of the new school building.

The works to complete the building project comprise of two separate projects - interim enabling works to seal the building and then full completion works.

The interim enabling works contract which includes finishing and sealing the roof, window installations and render finish was tendered. The total cost of the interim project was circa €3m and includes Design Team Fees.

Tender documentation is currently being finalised in respect of the completion works contract and it is anticipated that tenders will be invited shortly.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1052. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she and-or the board of management of a school (details supplied) are involved in litigation with a contractor that had its contracted terminated in respect of a school project in Naas, County Kildare. [30701/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy has been through a formal dispute resolution process resulting in the termination of the obligation of the Main Contractor to complete the construction of the new school building. The dispute is currently in Arbitration.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1053. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a schedule of all subcontractors on a school project (details supplied) that are still owed fees for services and the date on which these contractors will be paid. [30702/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A building project is a complex arrangement of contractual relationships between the client, the main contractor, specialist sub-contractors, domestic sub-contractors, suppliers of materials, suppliers of plant etc. In general all sub-contractors employed on education sector building projects are employed directly by the Main Contractor or indirectly by the Main Contractor through other sub-contractors. It is a matter for all sub-contractors to agree terms and conditions and a schedule of payments with the Main Contractor as their direct employer.

The Board of Management of the school in question has been through a formal dispute resolution process resulting in the termination of the obligation of the Main Contractor to complete the construction of the new school building.

The Main Contractor has been paid for all work completed on site.

The school authority's contractual obligation is with the main contractor.

It is a matter for any sub-contractor to pursue the main contractor in respect of any payment disputes that may arise.

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