Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

292. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the new modular build for a school (details supplied); when the brief acceptance letter will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7749/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question was granted initial approval for a significant modular accommodation project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.

The Department has a significant modular accommodation programme in place to assist schools in the provision of additional capacity, including in respect of facilitating the establishment of special classes.

This programme 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.

I can confirm that the school in question was assigned a Project Manager under this programme and the project has progressed to viability report stage. The consideration of the accommodation requirements for this school forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding. It is not, therefore, possible to give an indication at this point in time of the timeframe for the provision of additional accommodation at the school.

I can only seek to assure you that we will advance this matter as quickly as possible.

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an urgent update on the construction plan for a new school building (details supplied) that is in danger of losing their approved contractor if delays persist, which would be a very costly set back to this already long-awaited urgent building project; when approval will be issued to the design team to commence construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7750/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The project brief for the Major Project at Holy Family Community School includes the Demolition of the existing school and the phased construction of a three storey 1,000 pupil Community School with Special Education Needs Unit and PE Hall.

My Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project at Holy Family Community School remains a priority for delivery, in line with the accommodation issues present at the school.

The project is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action Award, the tender process was undertaken and a contractor identified. The next steps for the project will be the completion of the tender process and progression to Stage 4 – Construction.

My Department want to reassure the Holy Family Community School community that the school building project will be progressed and delivered. My Department will update the school authorities when there is a further update on the progression of the major projects.