'Absolutely reasonable' to expect competent builder to complete school in 22 weeks, court told

Education Minister talking action against Tyrone-based Western Building Systems over the alleged systemic defects in the construction of Ardgillan Community School in Balbriggan, Co Dublin

Tyrrelstown Educate Together School in Dublin:  Assistant secretary at the Department of Education Hubert Loftus told the High Court 'our worst fears' were realised after opening-up works were carried out after Ardgillan Community School in balbriggan was closed. File picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

An assistant secretary at the Department of Education has told the High Court it was "absolutely reasonable" to expect a competent builder to complete a new school in 22 weeks under a rapid system-build process rather than by traditional methods, which can take more than three times longer.

Hubert Loftus, who has headed the department's planning and building unit since 2017, was giving evidence in the ongoing action by the Education Minister against Tyrone-based Western Building Systems over the alleged systemic defects in the construction of Ardgillan Community School in Balbriggan, Co Dublin.