Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 2

Written Answers. - County Kildare School Facilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

84 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the provision of required facilities at Presentation Convent secondary school, Kildare; if agreement has yet been reached as to the precise requirement in terms of extra facilities; the precise development stage at which the proposal now stands; the likelihood of further progress in the current year or in 1992 with particular reference to the availability of finance for the project; if her attention has been drawn to the urgent need to respond positively to the request of the school authorities in the near future; if she will outline an implementation date for the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

There are three post-primary schools with a total enrolment of 761 pupils in Kildare centre. The provision of any extra facilities or additional permanent accommodation in any of the schools can only be considered in the context of the rationalisation of the existing school facilities.

My Department have, however, agreed to grant aid the repair and upgrading of the school in question and the necessary works are being carried out at present.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

85 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to indicate if her attention has been drawn to the need to provide extended facilities at Scoil Íde Naofa, Kilmead, Athy, County Kildare; if agreement has been reached between her Department and the school authorities regarding the precise nature of the extension and extra facilities needed; if she will outline the extent to which the various development stages in relation to such works have so far been processed; if she will provide funds for such works in the current year or in 1992; her views on the needs of the school as outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have approved a major building project for Scoil Íde Naofa, Kilmead, Athy, County Kildare, as follows. A permanent extension containing three classrooms, a staff room and library-medical room; the existing building will be adapted to provide a standard classroom and a general purposes room also is being funded locally. These proposals have been accepted generally by the school authorities.

A sketch plan for the project will be completed at the earliest possible date when it will be sent to the school authorities to enable them to seek planning permission.

The project is at an early stage of architectural planning and because of this. I am not in a position to say at this point when tenders could be invited.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position in regard to the development of facilities at St. David's primary school, Naas, County Kildare; when the premises will be ready for occupation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The contract for the St. David's national school, Naas, County Kildare is in course of construction at present and my Department's architect expects that it will be completed by the end of this year when the new accommodation would be ready for occupation.