Project manager appointed for new special school build

THE Department of Education has confirmed that the tender process to appoint a project manager for the delivery of a new primary school building for St. Bríd’s Special School in Castlebar has been completed.

The major building project will be delivered under the department's ADAPT Programme (Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering).

Senator Lisa Chambers explained how the ADAPT programme uses a professional external project manager to coordinate 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 a project manager has just been completed.

Senator Chambers said the first step to be undertaken by the project manager will be the tender competitions for the appointment of design teams for a number of school building projects. This will include the appointment of the design team to progress the project for St. Brid’s Special School .

The department will shortly advise the school authorities of further developments in relation to these appointments.

Deputy Alan Dillon visited the school in September 2021 with Minister of State with responsibility for special education and inclusion, Josepha Madigan, where she saw first-hand the need for additional accommodation and upgrades to the existing school building.

He commented: “The department’s planning and building unit have outlined the construction of a new special school building and associated works, including eight classrooms on the existing site at Pavilion Road, Castlebar, including the demolition of existing school buildings.

“I will continue to advocate for better access to special education facilities and inclusion within our education sector.”

Deputy Michael Ring has also welcomed the progress being made on delivering the project.