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ESB says ‘HSE paperwork’ holding up further enabling works at site of new Kolbe Special School

Kolbe Special School

ESB Networks have provided Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan with an update on the ongoing works at the site of the new Kolbe Special School.

Progress on the new build stalled in recent months as the ESB had to carry out enabling works.

They say that phase one of this is now complete but they await sign off from the HSE before they can proceed to phase two.

This, they say, is because the land that they need access to is in the ownership of the HSE.

A statement, released to Deputy Flanagan, states: “ESB Networks is very mindful of imperative for the Kolbe Special School project.

“Given that we have two overhead lines going through the lands, we have been fully engaged on expediting the necessary works on the local electricity network required to facilitate the project.

“We can confirm that the diversion works for one of the lines is now complete.

“As the other line runs through HSE land, ESB Networks has been awaiting necessary paperwork from the HSE to allow it to complete enabling works.

“These applications are due imminently but have not yet arrived at time of writing.

“We will continue to liaise closely with the relevant HSE stakeholders on the matter.

“ESB Networks is committed to prioritising these works once the required documentation has been received.”

In April 2023, the new Kolbe Special School building project was approved to go forward to tender.

That followed the news the previous March that the project had been put on hold by the Department.

As of February 2022, the school were granted planning permission for the new building.

This is for eight general classrooms, a GP hall, specialist educational spaces, administration areas, circulation areas and mini bus drop-off spaces and all necessary external play, sports and educational areas.

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