Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 2

Written Answers. - Ratoath (Meath) Primary School.

Mary Wallace

Question:

144 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the proposed extension for Ratoath primary school, Ratoath, County Meath; the exact sum of money allocated in 1996 to this project; the date on which construction is expected to commence; the expected date of completion of this project; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a serious and urgent need to ensure that there are no delays in this project in view of the huge expansion of the Ratoath community during the period 1995-1996 which has put serious pressure on the numbers attending Ratoath primary school; and if she will provide all the clarification she can at this important stage in the project. [4193/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The proposed extension of Ratoath primary school is at preliminary planning stage. The school's architect recently met departmental officials and discussed a preliminary design. The architect is currently preparing a sketch scheme which, if agreed by the school and the Department, will then be used to obtain planning permission. As the project is at the early planning stage, it is not possible to give expected dates for commencement and completion of construction.

A decision on the timing of the tender process will be made in the light of the financial resources available when the project is ready for tender. The school was advised of this fact when I notified them of the inclusion of their project in the primary school building programme. In these circumstances, there is no specific sum of money allocated in 1996 to this project. I am conscious of the school's need for the additional accommodation and that there should be no unnecessary delays with the project. The board of management will be kept informed of developments.