Schools Building Projects

Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Questions (295)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

295. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will move to construction stage of works. [21405/24]

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Written answers

Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.

These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn. All of these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.

The permanent building project referred to by the Deputy, will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The project is being delivered as part of a bundle of 10 schools under my Department’s Design and Build programme. Tender Assessment has now concluded and a Letter of Intent (LOI) has issued to the preferred tenderer.

This allows the preferred tenderer to put in place the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements required under the Contract.

The next step will be the issue of the Letters of Acceptance to the successful contractors. This will be done following further engagement with the successful contractors in relation to their tenders for the design and construction of the new schools. This engagement will also provide clarity on the contractor’s programme of works for the delivery of the projects and timelines.

Following receipt of all the necessary documentation and clarifications, my Department will then be in a position to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) which will allow the contractor to mobilise on site.

My Department will keep the school authority informed as the project progresses and will advise when the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issues.