Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

78 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education whether a feasibility study has been completed on the provision of essential refurbishment and extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; whether any provision to fund the project has been included in her Department's capital buildings programmes for 1997; her views on whether the feasibility study confirmed the need for this work to be carried out urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9471/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The feasibility study on the proposed extension and refurbishment works at the school referred to by the Deputy has been completed. Following examination of enrolment projections for the school, and detailed examination of the existing building by professional staff, it was decided that the project was too large to be dealt with under the grant scheme.

My Department agrees in principle to the proposed project. However, the project is not included in a current capital programme. It will be considered for inclusion in a future capital programme.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

79 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the continuing delays in providing approval for capital works at a school (details supplied) in Dublin which has been the subject of continuing requests to her Department about the serious condition of the windows in the school, which were described in a 1990 report as being defective, warped or jammed closed, with a serious risk that somebody could fall out of the windows; whether her Department has decreed that the replacement of the seriously defective windows is an urgent health and safety issue; her views on the fact that no approval has been granted; whether the water supply to the school could be contaminated due to the age of the storage tanks; whether the school is in need of extensive rewiring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9472/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The school in question has submitted an architect's report which gives a very brief outline of the works required. For my Department's technical staff to make a more informed decision on the matters referred to, the school was requested to submit a report which would detail the extent of the works proposed and the cost implications of these works. The school has also been requested to submit an engineer's report on the mechanical and electrical works required. To date this information has not been submitted to my Department's Post Primary Building Unit.

As soon as these reports are submitted a decision will be made and the school authorities will be informed accordingly.