Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The school building project referred to by the Deputy, is assigned to my Department’s Design and Build programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.

The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects issued to the Department's Framework of Design & Build Contractors. Given the scale of works involving new purpose built accommodation for 10 schools, a number of which are on campus sites including the school referred to by the Deputy, the tender process involves a very large amount of documentation and drawings and takes approximately 8-12 months. Tender returns have been received and are currently being evaluated.

This bundle comprises 10 school projects which are all flagship projects for their local school communities. Given the magnitude of this large scale investment, this tender evaluation process takes time for the Department's technical staff and project management team to adequately and appropriately analyse. The Department is very conscious of the urgency in getting these projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, delivered as quickly as possible. Once a Contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction would commence shortly thereafter.

My Department has delivered interim accommodation on site for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 school years, in line with enrolment figures agreed with the school's patron body and will continue to liaise with the school's patron body in relation to interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.