Third bundle of PPP schools to be offered to the market - Tánaiste

The delivery of new accommodation for eight schools has moved a step closer today with the announcement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, that the 3rd Bundle of schools to be provided via Public Private Partnership (PPP) is now ready to be offered to the market.

The eight schools are:

Post-primary

Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal: to provide a permanent school for the gaelcholáiste established in 2000;

Ballinamore Community School, Co Leitrim: arising from the amalgamation of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School and Ballinamore Vocational School;

Doughiska Community College, Co Galway: new school for a rapidly growing population in the Doughiska area. It will be provided on a shared campus with the new primary school - see below;

Gorey, Co Wexford: new school for a rapidly growing population in the Gorey area;

Tramore Secondary School, Co Waterford: arising from the amalgamation of CBS Tramore and Stella Maris School;

Athlone Community College, Co Westmeath: replacement of the current building;

Doon /Cappamore Secondary School, Co Limerick: arising from the amalgamation of St. Fintan's Doon, St. Joseph's Doon and Colaiste Phobal Mhichil Cappamore .

Primary

Doughiska, Co Galway: new school for a rapidly growing population in the Doughiska area.

This Bundle was announced in late 2008 and outline planning permission has been achieved for all of the schools.

Subject to the tendering process, it is expected that construction on these schools will commence in early 2012.

Under the PPP model, the schools will be designed, built, financed and maintained for 25 years by the successful tenderer.

Speaking at Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, today the Tánaiste said: ‘Following the completion of all of the required output specifications for the new schools, planning issues and other relevant legal and financial requirements for a PPP project, I am delighted to announce that approval to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) to commence the procurement of the project on behalf of the Department has issued today.

‘These school projects will create over 5,700 places for students and teachers in seven post-primary schools and one primary school.

‘One of the main advantages PPP schools have is that the principal isn’t involved on a daily basis in maintenance and caretaking issues.

‘These become the responsibility of the PPP operator for the period of the contract.

‘I wish to pay tribute to all those involved in bringing the projects to this stage, particularly the management and principals of the schools.

‘I also want to acknowledge the work of my own Department’s staff and the staff of the NDFA who’re responsible for the procurement and delivery of the eight schools,’ concluded the Tánaiste.