Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 2

Written Answers. - County Kildare Schools Extensions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the provision of an extension and extra facilities at Meánscoil Iognáid Rís, Naas, County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to the urgent necessity for the provision of these facilities; if any recent steps have been taken to expedite provision of the facilities; whether it is proposed to increase the extent of facilities originally intended; when she expects work on the project to begin; if she will outline the remaining number of development stages to be processed prior to the commencement of work; if the necessary finance is being provided for this urgent work now or in the 1992 Estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

My Department have been examining the question of how this project should proceed in the context of the funds currently available for building projects and in the light of the very many other commitments and priorities facing the Department.

When this examination has been completed, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

80 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she has now responded to the requests for extra classroom facilities at Rathcoffey national school, County Kildare; if she has now defined the precise extent of facilities required or that she intends to provide; if such requirements are likely to be met in the current year or in 1992; if sufficient funds are likely to be available in either year for such commitments; when it is expected that she will be in a position to make a full and final response to these requests; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have approved the provision of a permanent extension to Rathcoffey national school, County Kildare, which will contain two classrooms, a staff room and library-medical room in the existing school premises. It is my intention that the project be proceeded with when all the planning, tendering and contractual procedures have been completed. Because of the time necessarily involved in all these stages and the budgetary position, I am not in a position to say, at this point, when tenders will be invited.