Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

945 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position in regard to the provision of the new girls post-primary school at Celbridge, County Kildare; the number of places likely to be provided; a schedule of the facilities; if his Department will now allow the project to proceed to the next stage in the planning and development process; if he will further state when he expects actual construction work to start on the site; the availability of the necessary funds to meet such contingencies in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2224/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

The new girls post-primary school at Celbridge, County Kildare will cater for an enrolment of 800 pupils. The building unit of my Department has recently approved stage 3 (developed sketch scheme) of the architectural planning progress and the design team are currently preparing combined stages 4/5 (detailed design/bill of quantities) for submission to the Department.

Pre-selection of qualified tenderers for the construction of the school is currently taking place. Construction will commence as soon as architectural planning and tendering have been completed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

946 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position in relation to the extra facilities sought at Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare; the degree to which agreement has been reached between his Department and the school authorities in regards to the facilities required; those likely to be provided; whether he proposes to allow the project go to tender in the near future; if, in view of the urgent need for extra facilities, he will facilitate an early start on contract work by way of special financial provision for this purpose in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2225/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

Stage 2 documentation (outline sketch scheme) is currently being examined by the building unit of my Department and a decision on this stage is expected shortly. A schedule of accommodation has previously been agreed between the Department and the school authorities.

As this project is in the early stage of architectural planning, it is too early to say when construction will commence. The question of funding being made available for the project will only arise when construction has started.