Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Liam Aylward

Question:

220 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education the reason no progress has been made to date on the provision of an extension to Ladywell boys national school, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, where application was made to her Department in 1990; if she will take the necessary action to have plans prepared by her Department to ensure that the school extension proceeds as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the plans, if any, she has for the future of this school. [12767/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The management of Ladywell boys national school, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, applied to my Department in 1990 for grant-in-aid towards the cost of an extension to the school.

My Department has not been in a position to grant assistance for the scheme due to the accumulation of urgent major projects which resulted from the substantial cuts in capital funding for primary schools in the 1988 to 1992 period. In the last four years, the Government has increased the capital funding of schools significantly and substantial progress has been made in reducing the backlog. I accept fully that more needs to be done.

The school's current accommodation needs are being assessed by my Department. When the assessment has been completed, my Department will be in further contact with the school.

Liam Aylward

Question:

221 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education when work will commence on the provision of 12 classrooms with ancillary accommodation for a new permanent school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [12768/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Architectural planning is under way for the new school to which the Deputy refers. When the architectural planning is completed, a decision on the timing of the tender and contract process will be made in light of the available funds and the contractual commitments at that time.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

222 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if proposals for a school (details supplied) in County Cork have been agreed to; and if a capital allocation has been approved for this project. [12810/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A schedule of accommodation for a proposed extension at the school in question has been agreed between my Department and the board of management.

The first stage of architectural planning for the project was submitted recently and is currently being examined by my Department's technical staff. A planning and briefing meeting will be convened when the examination of this submission has been finalised.

A report concerning repairs to the school has been examined by my Department's technical staff and this matter will be discussed at the forthcoming meeting also.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

223 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the current situation regarding commitments to build a physical education hall (details supplied) at St. Mac Dara's Community College, Templeogue, Dublin 6W; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12811/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The present position is that the architectural planning for the proposed physical educational hall at St. Mac Dara's Community College is proceeding satisfactorily and the project has now reached an advanced stage. An application has also been lodged with the planning authorities by County Dublin vocational education committee for planning permission.

The project will continue to be accorded a high priority in my Department and every effort will be made to ensure that the project goes to construction as early as possible this year.