Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

604 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, there has been on the project for the replacement of St Wolstan's second-level girls school in Celbridge, County Kildare, from the period 15 July to date in 1997; the position at which development currently stands; the number of developmental stages still to be followed in respect of this project; if the requisite funding is available for utilisation in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14786/97]

Minister for Education (Mr. Martin):

Architectural planning of the new community school for Celbridge, County Kildare has reached stage two of my Department's design team procedures. The appropriate technical documentation in respect of this stage will shortly be submitted to the Department by the design team.

There are three further stages prior to the invitation of tenders: detailed design, working drawings and bills of quantity.

The question of funding will not arise until the contract has been placed. At this stage, it is not possible to say when construction will begin.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

605 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the development plans for Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare, have been progressed during the summer months; the number of times the design team has met with management; the changes, if any, sought by either party; the changes, if any, agreed; the degree to which funding exists to further advance this project in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14787/97]

Minister for Education (Mr. Martin):

A technical planning meeting was held on 20 August 1997 concerning the planned extension between the school authorities, the design team and my Department's building unit staff.

As a result of this meeting it was agreed to move the project to Stage 2 of the architectural planning process, outline sketch scheme. A meeting will take place at the school between my Department's technical staff and the design team in the near future to further expedite progress on the project.

The school authorities have also been asked by the Department to submit their proposals regarding the physical education hall which will now be provided as part of the overall extension.

The question of funding for construction work will not arise until the contract has been placed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

606 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position on the proposed extension to Confey College, Leixlip, County Kildare; the current developmental stage of the project; the number of stages still to be complied with in the development schedule; whether the requisite funding is available to achieve the implementation of each stage before the end of 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/97]

Minister for Education (Mr. Martin):

A meeting was held in July of this year to expedite the planning of the proposed extension of Confey College, Leixlip, County Kildare. My Department is now awaiting the submission of the technical documentation relating to stage 2 of the architectural planning process from the County Kildare Vocational Education Committee and I understand that the vocational education committee will submit this within a matter of days.

The remaining stages before tender are the preparation of detailed design documentation, working drawings and bills of quantity.

The question of funding for construction work will not arise until the contract has been placed. At this point, it is not possible to say when work will begin on site.

Every effort will be made to expedite each stage of the architectural planning process.