The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) Detailed Design which includes the application for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
At a recent meeting with the schools, their design team and officials from my Department, the consultant Quantity Surveyor advised the Boards of Management and my Department that the firm is withdrawing from the project.
In the past fortnight, the consultant Architect has advised that they are also withdrawing from the project as the firm has gone into liquidation.
A tender process to replace both the design team Architect and Quantity Surveyor will commence shortly.