Vol. 481 No. 1
277 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been acquired for the regional technical college at Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; if so, the location of this site; the stage of planning for the college; the funds, if any, which were assigned to the project by the previous Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15599/97]
: Detailed consultations are ongoing between officials of the planning and building unit of the Department of Education and the IDA/Fingal County Council with regard to a new 45 acre site for the college. The site which is located in Blanchardstown forms part of the proposed Buzzardstown IDA/Fingal Council Scientific, Industrial and Business Park. A price has been agreed for the site and funding which was previously approved has been set aside for the acquisition. A high level planning group established under the auspices of the Higher Education Authority is continuing with the preparation of a strategic plan for the new institution.
278 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will respond to the request from St. Michael's Holy Faith secondary school, Finglas, Dublin 11, to have a grant made available towards the construction of a sports hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/97]
: It is the policy of my Department to provide PE halls on a phased basis as resources permit to all schools which do not already have them.
The question of providing physical education facilities at St. Michael's Holy Faith secondary school, Finglas, Dublin 11, can only be considered in the context of the capital available for post-primary building purposes generally. Because of the huge demand for additional classroom accommodation in schools throughout the country, I am not in a position at this stage to state when physical education facilities will be provided in this particular case.
However, should financial circumstances permit, the school will be given every consideration.
