Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Joe Jacob

Question:

214 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the application for funding towards the provision of temporary accommodation for Carnew community college, County Wicklow, which has been submitted to her Department by Wicklow Vocational Education Committee, will be approved as a matter of urgency, particularly in view of the fact that she indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 2 July 1996, by Deputy Jacob, that officials from her Department were then considering the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9768/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The application for the provision of temporary accommodation at Carnew community college is under consideration in my Department at present.

To further assist in the examination of the application in terms of enrolment, future viability and cost implications, an official from my Department's planning and building unit will visit the school shortly.

As soon as a decision is reached County Wicklow Vocational Education Committee will be informed.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

215 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made in respect of the proposed community school in Ballyshannon, County Donegal; when the project will proceed to the next stage of planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9796/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A new community school building is to be provided in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, to facilitate a rationalisation of the existing postprimary schools in the centre.

The architectural planning of the school building had progressed to stage three on the basis that the Bundoran facility, which is an out-centre of Ballyshannon Vocational School, would be part of the rationalisation.

However, County Donegal Vocational Education Committee has informed my Department that it supports the retention of a second-level educational facility in Bundoran and that the rationalisation of schools should be confined to those in Ballyshannon only. This proposal has implications for the level of accommodation to be provided in the new school building for Ballyshannon.

In the circumstances, my Department is currently carrying out a review of the centre. This review is expected to be completed shortly and I will then be in a position to take a decision in the matter. Architectural planning for the project will proceed on the basis of the decision taken.

Joe Costello

Question:

216 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the proposed extension to St. Declan's secondary school, Navan Road, Dublin 7, will be included in the 1998 Estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9797/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Architectural planning of the extension project at St. Declan's secondary school, Navan Road, Dublin 7 is currently under way.

This project is one of a number which will be considered when selecting projects for inclusion in the 1998 capital programme.