Vol. 502 No. 3
669 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is proposed to meet the required extra facilities at St. Patrick's post primary school, Naas, County Kildare; the stage at which this project stands; the extra facilities proposed in this context; the timescale for the provision in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/99]
Following a preliminary meeting in January 1999 in my Department's post primary building unit, the VEC's design team undertook to prepare a stage 1 study and produce various options as to how the accommodation needs of St. Patrick's post primary school could be met, based on an overall schedule of accommodation to cater for 500 pupils. A further meeting has been arranged in the near future where the various options will be discussed.
At this early stage of architectural planning, it is too early to say when construction will commence.
670 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for the provision of extra facilities at St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare; when he will proceed with these proposals; the extra places and other facilities he will provide at this location; the remaining developmental stages to be proceeded with prior to implementation of site works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8431/99]
Stages 4/5, detailed design/bill of quantities, are currently being considered by my Department's post primary building unit. The invitation of tenders will be considered when these stages have been approved.
671 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he has evaluated educational requirements in North Kildare with particular reference to identification of current and future needs at primary and secondary levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8432/99]
The planning section of my Department has or is in the process of carrying out reviews of the school accommodation requirements of a number of areas in north County Kildare, such as Naas, Celbridge, Kill, Ardclough, Sallins and Caragh. As a result, temporary accommodation was approved for the convent and Ballycane primary schools in Naas and a decision taken that an additional school be provided as soon as possible. An extension is to be provided at Ardclough primary school. The question of the provision of extra accommodation at the primary schools in Kill, Sallins, Celbridge and Caragh is still under consideration
At second level, building projects have been approved for all three post primary schools in Naas and they are being progressed at present. The new second level school building, to replace the girls' secondary school in Celbridge, is under construction.
The school accommodation needs of the north Kildare area will continue to be monitored by my Department.
