Following examination of the existing accommodation at the school in question, it was decided that because of the possible level of redesignation which may be required and the accompanying level of conversion and refurbishment needed together with possible structural and services improvements, a full feasibility study should be undertaken by the design team and submitted to the Department. On examination of this feasibility study by technical staff in the building unit of my Department, the design team were presented with a number of options concerning the future of the school. A meeting was held in the Department with the consultant architect recently to discuss the way forward and a number of issues were clarified.
The design team have recently been asked to submit an expanded feasibility study to the Department concerning the various options discussed. With the issue of reallocation and redesignation in mind, schedules of accommodation will shortly issue to the school. When these have been agreed, the design team will be in a position to advance the project. The Department is conscious that temporary accommodation will have to be put in place sometime in the future and discussions with Meath Vocational Education Committee will take place concerning this issue. At this stage, it is too early to say when construction will commence. However, every effort will be made by my Department to expedite the architectural planning process.
