Written answers
Tuesday, 10 October 2023
Department of Education and Skills
Schools Building Projects
Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the announced additional two modular buildings of 80 sq. m are not yet in place in a school (details supplied); the reason that in October of this school year, more urgency has not been placed on the installation of these buildings; when these much-needed class rooms will be installed and be fully functional; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44020/23]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers was granted approval for the provision of 2 mainstream classrooms under my Department's Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
However, the wider context in relation to the overall modular market at present is challenging with modular accommodation suppliers being very busy across commercial, housing and other sectors. The Department is working closely with the Project Management teams and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure additional capacity for the schools sector is delivered as quickly as possible.
A Project Management company has been appointed from the Department’s Framework to assist the school authority in the delivery of the project and my Department has also contacted the school to provide an update on the process.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that a school's proposals (details supplied) are considered and responded to in full by the relevant Department officials due to the increasing pupil numbers at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44021/23]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the major school building project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council. Construction commenced in July 2023.
I acknowledge receipt of recent correspondence and the matters raised therein are being considered by my Department and we will revert in due course.
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