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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire pause

Summary

Marie Sherlock asks for intervention on the stalled Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire project in Parnell Square. The Taoiseach says works were paused because of conciliation, archaeological and protected-structure issues, and problems with services and nearby Luas lines.

My question relates to Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire in Parnell Square. I ask the Taoiseach to make a personal intervention to get this building project done. This school is into its 23rd year of what was supposed to be temporary emergency accommodation. It spent a decade and a half trying to get its long-promised school project off the ground. Almost two years on from the sod being turned and two thirds into the construction works, the Department of Education and Youth has stopped those works. We are all left wondering what is going on.

I will give the Taoiseach some facts about the project. When problems in respect of the school building emerged last year, project managers were appointed by the Department. We were told not to worry, that all would be fine and that the project would be completed in 2025. Department of Education and Youth officials then told us last November that it would probably be 2026 but that we would have a progress report after the election. The officials in the Department never sent that report. Requests for information are now outstanding for 33 days or more. We need specific information from the Taoiseach as to what is happening with this project.

Comment on this

I think the Deputy probably knows.

Comment on this

I genuinely do not.

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

This is not a back and forth.

Comment on this

As the Deputy will know, this is a major project. The plan is to build a 16-classroom primary school on a very challenging brownfield site with modern multistorey facilities spanning Dominick Street, Dominick Place and Granby Row. Ongoing issues recently led to a temporary pause on construction. The contractor was formally notified on 23 May under the contract's suspension of works provision. This pause gives space for a conciliation process to conclude, allowing a clear path forward to be mapped out. The site is in an area of archaeological interest-----

Comment on this

I am sorry but what is happening now?

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

I am sorry but this is not a back and forth.

Comment on this

I appreciate that but I need to hear what is happening now.

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy can correspond afterwards if she wishes to add further information.

Comment on this

It is an area of archaeological interest that involves a protected structure owned and occupied by Youth Work Ireland. A number of issues have arisen. These include issues with services on the site and electrical lines and services related to the adjacent Luas line, which had not been apparent until excavation began. There are issues with the foundations of an adjoining protected building, which need careful consideration. There is a whole load of issues here that need to be addressed.

Comment on this
Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Clearly, there will be further interactions on this.

Comment on this