Local TD Denis Naughten has received confirmation from the Minister for Education that St. Teresa’s special school in Ballinasloe is about to receive three new temporary classrooms while the new school building project is to be fast-tracked.

“Over the Easter break, plans are underway to provide three new modular general classrooms to cater for the current needs of St. Teresa’s School at Parkmore, Creagh. These temporary classrooms will be of huge benefit to both pupils and staff until the new school is built on an adjoining site,” said Denis Naughten.

“The Minister has also informed me that the new school has been included in a fast-track school building programme within the Department of Education, known as ADAPT (Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering), which will use a professional external Project Manager to coordinate and drive the design team on the St. Teresa’s School project.

“It’s very positive that Minister Foley and the Department of Education has included St. Teresa’s School in the ADAPT scheme to achieve the best possible timeframe for the progression of the project through the stages of architectural planning, to tender and construction.

“The Department will shortly advise the school authorities of further developments in relation to the appointment of the design team. Tenders are now due back on the appointment of the design team for the school, with the formal appointment expected before the school summer holidays,” concluded Denis Naughten.

ENDS.

Editor’s Note:

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For Written Answer on : 30/03/2023
Question Number(s): 196 Question Reference(s): 15984/23
Department: Education
Asked by: Denis Naughten T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Education the current status of the new school building for a school (details supplied); when the temporary classrooms will be provided on the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) St Teresa’s special school, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

REPLY

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department’s ADAPT Programme.

The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.

The tender process to appoint the Design Team for this major project is currently underway.

The Project Manager is in contact with the school authorities in relation to the appointment of the Design Team, which is anticipated to be completed in Quarter 2 of 2023.

Upon appointment, the Design Team will proceed to the initial stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team will assess the site and prepare their initial sketch schemes. A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out will be established during this early stage.

Until the project design is at a stage where statutory approvals, planning permission, etc are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval under the Additional School Accommodation scheme has issued to the school in question for the provision of 3 General classrooms under my Departments Modular Accommodation Framework.

This project is on course to be completed for upcoming academic year.