Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy, is assigned to my Department’s ADAPT programme.

ADAPT is an acronym for Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering.

The project which is a key priority for my Department, is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.

The project brief is to provide a new 8 classroom special school and all appropriate ancillary accommodation, at a greenfield site adjacent to the current location of the school.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that essential enabling works to underground ESB cables at the site for the new school are proceeding and are nearing conclusion.

These essential works are being carried out in conjunction with ESB Networks Ireland and will be completed in advance of the main project progressing.

My Department has received the Tender Report for the new build from the Board of Management and its Design Team. The Tender Report is currently under review. On completion of the review, my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management and its Design Team regarding the progression of the main project.

Recent experience has shown that a Tender Stage can take between 8-12 months.