Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
438. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education for an update on the tender process for the construction of a permanent building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12090/24]
View answerThe campus school building project referred to by the Deputies is assigned to my Department’s Design and Build programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
This campus project will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects for 10 schools issued to the Department's Framework of Design and Build Contractors. Given the scale of works involving new purpose-built accommodation for 10 schools, some of which are on campus sites, the tender process involves a very large volume of documentation and drawings. Tender returns have been received and the analysis and review is at an advanced stage.
The Department is very conscious of the importance in getting these projects, including the campus project referred to by the Deputy, delivered as quickly as possible. The due diligence by the Department is a critical part of the overall completion of the Stage 3 process and is critical to ensuring quality and value for money, and that projects are progressed within overall programme parameters.
Once a contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction will commence shortly thereafter.
