Written answer
Schools Building Projects
Cork school projects are at varying stages, with progress dependent on reviews, documentation, affordability and funding; the Department pledged to advance them as expeditiously as possible.
163. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason for the delays of school building applications, especially when space among schools around Cork is at a premium; and the status of school building applications in County Cork (details supplied). [74926/26]
Comment on this
The projects referred to by the Deputy are currently at various stages of the Department's project delivery pipeline, ranging from the early planning and design phases through to construction and project completion.
My Department is committed to progressing school building projects as efficiently as possible to meet emerging accommodation needs. However, all projects must advance through the established project delivery process and are subject to the requirements of the National Development Plan, the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Capital Works Management Framework.
As projects move through the pipeline, they must undergo a range of checks and reviews to ensure that they meet the approved project brief, represent good value for money and comply with the relevant design and technical standards.
The timing of a project's progression from one stage to the next depends on a number of factors, including the completion of key milestones, the submission of the required documentation, affordability considerations and the overall prioritisation of projects within the annual capital budget available to the Department.
For projects currently at planning or pre-planning stage, relevant project documentation must be submitted to the Department for review. Once received, submissions are assessed to ensure that the proposed accommodation, scope of works and project costs are in line with the approved requirements.
The overall timeframe for each project will vary depending on factors such as its size and complexity, the completion of design, planning and procurement processes, and the timely provision of information by the school authority.
The current position and approved project brief for each of the projects referenced by the Deputy is outlined in the table supplied.
My Department remains committed to supporting the delivery of additional educational accommodation across County Cork and will continue to work with school authorities and other stakeholders to progress these projects as expeditiously as possible, having regard to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Capital Works Management Framework and the availability of funding under the National Development Plan.