Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30493/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The major building project for the first school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.

In December 2019, my Department received the Stage 2(b) submission for this project. In order to expedite the progression of the major building project, my Department authorised the school and its Design Team to commence the pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of contractors.

The review of the Stage 2(b) submission has been completed and comments have issued to the Design Team requesting the Design team to carry out one final review of the tender documentation taking on board my Department's comments. When this work has been carried out the Design Team will revert to my Department with confirmations that the tender documentation then complies with all Department, Building Control Amendment Regulation (BCAR) and Public Works Contract (PWC) tender documentation requirements.

Upon receipt of these confirmations and completion of the pre-qualification process and subject to no other issues arising, this project will then be ready to progress to the next stage of architectural planning - Stage 3 (Tender Stage).

A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.

The major building project for second school referred to by the Deputy has gone out to tender, with a return date of 16^thOctober. The Design Team will then prepare a tender report identifying the preferred bidder, which will be assessed by the Department. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged construction could commence in Quarter 1 of 2021.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the construction of a new school building (details supplied) in Dublin 13 will commence; the projected timeline for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30498/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The project referred to by the Deputy when complete will provide a three Storey 16 classroom Primary School building, including a two classroom special education needs base.

The design also includes a general-purpose hall, support teaching spaces and ancillary accommodation, external junior play areas, secure SEN hard and soft play area and a sensory garden. The proposed project incorporates associated car parking, access road, pedestrian access, bicycle lane, construction of 2 no. external ball courts, landscaping, connection to public services and all associated site works.

It is anticipated that the project will proceed to tender in the first half of 2021 with construction expected to start in late 2021 and the estimated construction period for the project will be approximately 48 weeks.