John McGuinness
Question:365 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, in providing a new gym and classrooms at Loreto Convent, Grange Road, Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12854/99]
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
It is the policy of my Department to provide physical education halls as part of the schedule of accommodation for all new post primary schools. A physical education hall is also provided when a major extension to a school, which does not have such a facility is being built. In addition my Department has a programme for providing physical education halls as stand-alone projects at post-primary schools which do not already have this facility and a number of such project have proceeded to construction in recent years.
As a result, it is not possible in the present circumstances to indicate when architectural planning of a physical education hall at Loreto Convent will commence. The question of providing grant aid for this project will not arise until architectural planning is completed.
The application will continue to be reviewed in light of available resources and competing priorities.
Alan Shatter
Question:366 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents and teachers of St. Raphaela's primary school, Upper Kilmacud Road, County Dublin, are of the view that it is urgent that the building renovation programme for the school commence; if his attention has been further drawn to the concerns regarding the health and safety of children attending the school; when he will sanction the renovation works and the commencement of the tendering systems; and if the funding required by the school for these works will be made available. [12856/99]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:375 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will announce the sanctioning of capital expenditure for the renovation of St. Raphaela's primary school, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, County Dublin; and when these works will be carried out. [12963/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 375 together.
An application has been received from the manager of St. Raphaela's primary school, Upper Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, County Dublin for grant aid towards the cost of renovation works. My Department's planning section is currently investigating the long-term accommodation requirements of the school.