Vol. 482 No. 2
104 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department took a full year to revert to original proposals which it had rejected for an extension to St. Joseph's College, Dublin; and if he will ensure that the new submission requested by his Department will allow for a structure of sufficient size to complement the existing college building and accommodate the 820 students currently enrolled. [17496/97]
My Department's post-primary building unit has requested the school in question to reconsider its proposal for the extension because it is not the most economical solution available and does little to integrate the new accommodation with the existing school building, both from an educational and architectural point of view.
In relation to the size of the extension, the school's board of management has already accepted the schedule of accommodation which will provide classroom space for 725 pupils in the long term. My Department may not provide permanent accommodation for a short-tem increase in pupil numbers. Such increases are catered for by way of prefabricated classrooms.
105 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the necessary funding in the Estimates for the extension to St. Michael's College, Listowel, County Kerry to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17497/97]
An extension of 714 square metres has been approved in respect of St. Michael's College, Listowel and architectural planning is currently at stage 3 (developed sketch scheme). Every effort will be made to progress this project through the planning process. However, it is not possible at this stage to indicate when the project will be ready to proceed to construction.
The question of funding will not arise until architectural planning has been completed.
