Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Written Answers. - Ashbourne (Meath) School.

Mary Wallace

Question:

130 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the urgent need for an extension to Ashbourne second-level school, County Meath; the number of pupils the extension will cater for; the size of the extension; the proposed cost of the extension; the funding she has approved in respect of the extension; when construction work will commence; the expected completion date for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14922/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An extension of 2,063 square metres, to cater for a projected long-term enrolment of 1,000 pupils, has been approved for Ashbourne Community School, County Meath.

The Post Primary Building Unit of my Department is currently awaiting the submission of stage one documentation from the design team. When this has been achieved, the project will be progressed further.

Funds are being made available this year in respect of design fees. The question of providing capital funds for building will not arise until the planning process has been fully completed.

At this early stage, I am not in a position to indicate when construction will commence.

However, I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to have the planning of the proposed extension completed as quickly as possible.