Cecilia Keaveney
Question:108 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school extension for Cloontagh national school in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24250/98]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
My Department is currently reviewing the enrolment figures at Cloontagh national school, County Donegal. When this review has been completed, my Department will be in a better position to determine how the accommodation difficulties can be addressed. The school management is being kept informed of developments.
Austin Deasy
Question:109 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant approval to Scoil Mhuire national school, Abbeyside, County Waterford, to seek tenders for the provision of a permanent extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24251/98]
The six classroom extension at Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside is included in my Department's capital programme.
The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. When the planning work has been completed, the project will be considered for release to tender and contract in the light of available capital funding.
Michael Ring
Question:110 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been identified for the proposed secondary school in Newport, County Mayo; if so, the location; the funding, if any, in place for this project; and when construction of the school will commence. [24252/98]
The Deputy will be aware that in June last I decided to approve the provision of a post-primary school in Newport, County Mayo. This decision is in line with stated commitments on rural development in the Government's An Action Programme for the Millenium in ensuring, as far as practicable, equality of infrastructure.
County Mayo Vocational Education Committee will be responsible for developing the school, including the identification of a site. As soon as the accommodation requirements of the proposed new school have been established, my Department will be in communication with the committee regarding the acquisition of a suitable site and the planning of the facility.
It is intended that the school should be opened in temporary accommodation from September, 1999.
The Deputy will note the major increase in second-level funding provided in the Abridged Estimates which will enable projects such as this to proceed.