Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, achieved since November 1997 in the provision of a second level girls' school at Celbridge, County Kildare; the various developmental stages achieved in that period; those still to be undergone; when he expects to be in a position to approve the necessary funds to facilitate actual construction works on site; if there are further developmental stages still outstanding prior to achievement of this objective; the likely delay, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7659/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Stage 3 — developed sketch scheme — of architectural planning was approved by the building unit of my Department in February 1998. Stage 4 — detailed design — was submitted recently by the design team and is currently being examined by my Department's technical staff. It is expected that stage 4 will be approved shortly and that stage 5 — bill of quantities — will be submitted to the building unit immediately after this.

Advertisements were placed in national newspapers in February 1998 inviting contractors to apply for inclusion on the tender list for this project. This is a normal part of the preselection process for major projects. The design team has indicated that this tender list will be submitted to the Department as quickly as possible.

It is intended that construction will commence on site as soon as the tendering process has been completed.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, achieved since October 1997 in the matter of the provision of further facilities required at Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare; the stages in the planning and development of the project undergone in that period; the number of stages still outstanding; the extent to which it is expected to complete these developmental stages in the near future with a view to providing the necessary expenditure to undertake construction work on site in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7660/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Stage 2 — outline sketch scheme — for the project in Clane was approved by the building unit of my Department in February 1998 and stage 3 — developed sketch scheme — is now awaited from the design team. Once this stage of architectural planning has been satisfactorily completed, the design team will proceed to stage 4 — detailed design — and stage 5 — bill of quantities.

As this project is in the early stages of architectural planning, it is not possible to say when construction will commence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, made since July 1997 in providing for the extra facilities required at St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare; the date he expects to be in a position to advance this project further in line with current and projected demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7661/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

In October 1997 the building unit of my Department approved stage 3 — developed sketch scheme — for the proposed extension to St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare. Stage 4 — detailed design — is currently awaited from the school authorities. Once this submission has been approved, the project will proceed to stage 5 — bill of quantities.

At this stage, it is too early to say when this project is likely to go to construction.