Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

333. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in providing a modular classroom for a special class in a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay in providing this modular classroom; when the classroom is likely to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10771/24]

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

My Department approved a project for the provision of modular accommodation in respect of a special education class under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for the school to which the Deputy refers.

In order to assist the school authority in the delivery of this accommodation, my Department arranged under its procurement framework for a project manager namely Kerrigan Sheanan Newman Construction consultants (KSN) to manage the design, tender and construction of the project. The Department is working closely with Project Managers and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure this project and the Department’s wider ambitious programme of modular accommodation is completed as soon as possible and to minimise the impact of challenging market conditions and contingencies such as adverse weather has on such projects. The project referred to by the Deputy is currently on-site and is expected to be practically completed shortly. The project manager also engages with the school authority directly to update it on project progression.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

334. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the delivery of the new special school (details supplied); how many students it will accommodate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10773/24]

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

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is to provide a new 20 classroom Special Educational Needs School located at Blanchardstown Road North, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

The major building project will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT programme.

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

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 is currently at Design Team Appointment stage.

Invitations to tender issued to shortlisted consultants on the Department’s Consultant Framework during Quarter 4 2023, and the tender returns have been received.

Representatives from the School Patron body and Board of Management attended a tender evaluation meeting in the Department offices in Tullamore on 28th February 2024.

As a result of that meeting and subject to no issues arising with the completion of the procurement process, a Design Team will shortly be appointed for Danu Community Special School.

The Project Manager and my Department will inform the school authorities of the Design Team appointment.

Upon ratification of the Design Team Appointment, the Project Manager will arrange an initial briefing meeting between all the Stakeholders prior to the Design Team commencing Stage 1 - Preliminary Design (assessment of site and location suitability and initial sketch scheme)