Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1026 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposed schedule of accommodation in respect of the multi-denominational national school at Celbridge, County Kildare; the extent to which it is anticipated to meet this requirement in 1999; his intentions for meeting the desired schedule as outlined by the board of management; the remaining developmental stages and the time required to deal with this having regard to the current stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2213/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

A detailed schedule of accommodation for the NKSP is not yet finalised. When proposals are ready, my Department will be in touch with the school board in regard to agreeing a schedule. A new school building will be provided for this school and it will qualify for the new ownership arrangements which I announced recently. This project is in the very early stages of the planning process. The stages of the planning process are outlined in the booklet National School Capital Programme which issued to all schools. I have arranged that a copy be sent to the Deputy for information. Pending provision of the new building, it is proposed to continue to provide for the immediate accommodation needs of the school by means of temporary rented accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1027 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the full review of primary and post primary educational needs and facilities has been concluded in respect of Naas and its hinterland in County Kildare; the recommendations in this report by way of providing for the accommodation requirements at the existing primary and secondary schools; the proposals, if any, he has in this regard with particular reference to the immediate and ongoing needs of the catchment area concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2215/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1037 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has come to a decision regarding the provision of primary and second level educational facilities in Naas, County Kildare, and the surrounding area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2227/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1027 and 1037 together.

Following on an evaluation of primary and second level accommodation requirements in the Naas area, a number of strategies were devised by the planning section of my Department to cater for the short and long-term needs of the area. At primary level, temporary accommodation was approved for the convent and Ballycane schools to cater for immediate needs. It was also decided that an additional primary school would be required in Naas. A suitable location has been identified for this school and a new buiilding will be provided as soon as possible.

The question of providing a permanent extension to the Sallins school is under consideration and my Department will be discussing the matter with the school management in the near future. In addition, an application for an extension to Caragh primary school is being processed at present.

At second level, building projects have been approved for all three post-primary schools and they are being progressed at present. You will appreciate that a rapidly expanding area such as the Naas catchment area will need to be kept under regular review to ensure that there is no shortfall in pupil places. Accordingly, the area will continue to be monitored by my Department on a regular basis.