Two Laois TDs have outlined the current situation regarding the new building for Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise.
Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan and Fianna Fail’s Sean Fleming have both made statements on the project today.
Tender documents were sent to a shortlisted selection of contractors in September for the new build but an appointment is yet to be made.
That has led to repeated calls for answers from the Parents Group who have taken to Twitter to explain their anger.
But now, Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan says the issue is on the ESB’s side with enabling works.
He said: “Necessary enabling works under the contract have been progressing on site for a number of months.
“The Enabling works contractor completed the ground works for the ESB ducting in October 2023, and remaining works for the diversion of the ESB overhead wires will be co-ordinated by ESB Networks Ireland and the Design Team to allow a main contractor on site to progress the new school build.
“There are two individual ESB line installation works to be completed at the new site – the first has commenced on-site and is on target for completion in December 2023, the second line works programme is subject to approval of wayleave and licence, and the administrative details are currently being finalised between the HSE as landowner and the school authorities with the assistance of the design team.
“On completion of the ESB works, the Contractor will have approximately 1 weeks’ work remaining to make the site safe and to decant from the site to enable the main contractor to commence.
“The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023 and the tenders to build the new school itself were received from contractors in late September 2023.
“Recent experience has shown that a Tender stage can take between 8-12 months from the initial Invitation to Tender, subject to no issues arising.
“Upon receipt of a satisfactory supplementary tender report from the Design Team, Department officials must review this tender report for completeness.
“Only upon completion of a tender report review, can a Letter of Intent issue to the successful contractor whereupon the successful contractor has 42 days to accept this offer and a Letter of Acceptance will issue.
“The Tender Report was received from the Kolbe Board of Management and the Design Team in the Department in early November 2023 and is currently being reviewed.
“Only when the Letter of Acceptance has issued is there a contract in place and all the contract terms and conditions apply.
“However, in this particular instance it will not be possible to issue the Letter of Acceptance until the enabling works contract is completed and unencumbered possession of the site is available to the incoming contractor for the new school building.
“The design team and relevant officials from the department engaged with the School Authorities on an ongoing basis during the design stages of architectural planning.
“At this current stage the design team primarily are involved in the tender process to appoint the contractor, ensuring the School Authorities are kept fully up to date. Once a contractor has been appointed, department officials will be in contact with the school to advise them of the progression of the project and the ‘on-site’ start date.”
Fianna Fail’s Sean Fleming explained the situation similarly and also told how new accommodation has been placed on the existing site.
He said: “The school has been given approval by the Department for the instillation of modular accommodation on the existing school site due to the severe overcrowding and lack of space in the existing school. This extra space is needed immediately.
“The school is currently working with the HSE (site owner) to satisfy legal, health & safety requirements in relation to this additional accommodation.
“I expect the Fire Safety Cert & Disability Access Cert to be approved by the County Council quickly. The contractor for this work is already on site and ready to start as soon as these measures are in place. It is expected these works will take approximately 7 weeks.
“As people are aware, during the last General Election, I as a candidate, stated that getting a new school for Kolbe was my number one priority, I am determined to see the new Kolbe Special School being constructed on the new site.
“Finally, the students who attend Kolbe Special School, their parents and families, all staff and everyone involved and with an interest in the school must be fully supported.
“I thank them for their continued interest and determination on behalf of the children, who above all are our first priority. I will work with them every step of the way.”
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