Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an extension for a school (details supplied). [5056/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme.

The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.

The Project Manager has recently visited the school to outline the process for design team appointment and the progression of the project through architectural planning and construction. Site surveys have been carried out at the school site.

The tender competitions for the appointment of the Design Team (Consultant Architect, Civil Structural Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Engineer, Quantity Surveyor and PSDP) are currently under way.

An Invitation to Tender issued to the potential Design Team Consultants in mid Quarter 1 2023, and subject to no issues arising, the estimated timeframe for completion of the appointment process is mid Quarter 2 2023.

The Project Manager is in contact with the Principal and Patron of the school regarding the procurement process and these appointments.

Upon appointment, the Design Team will proceed to the initial stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team will assess the site and prepare their initial sketch schemes for the new school.

A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out will be established during this early stage, to be then further detailed and developed and fully cost-planned, before seeking statutory approvals, including planning permission.

Until the project design is at a stage where statutory approvals, planning permission, etc. are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date.