Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Tony Gregory
Question:
264
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the overall cost of the proposed underground car park for his Department at Marlborough Street, Dublin 1; and if this is a priority for him in view of the many demands on capital expenditure in his Department.
[16364/99]
Tony Gregory
Question:
284
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if double glazed windows and air conditioning will be provided in Scoil Chaoimhín, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, in view of the current ongoing construction work and the proposed building of an underground car park immediately adjacent to the school resulting in air and noise pollution.
[16558/99]
Tony Gregory
Question:
285
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if the facade of Scoil Chaoimhín school building will be renewed in view of the fact it is the only remaining building in the Department's complex at Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, which is in need of renewal and continues to the adversely affected by ongoing building work in the complex.
[16559/99]
Tony Gregory
Question:
286
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
his response to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding Scoil Chaoimhín, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
[16560/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264, 284, 285 and 286 together.
These questions relate to the development of the Marlborough Street site at the Department of Education and Science. In my written reply to Question No. 104 on Thursday, 24 June, 1999 to Deputy Gregory, I gave details of the work involved in the development, and the duration of the contract.
In relation to the specific issues now raised, the position is that my Department has informed the board of management of Scoil Chaoimhín that in the event of an unacceptable level of air or noise pollution arising from the construction works, double glazing windows and/or air conditioning will be provided.
Similarly the board of management has been informed that it is the intention of my Department to renew the facade of Scoil Chaoimhín when the proposed building project on the site is completed.
As regards the provision of car parking facilities, which is an integral part of the overall development, I am informed by the Office of Public Works that the closing date for the receipt of tenders is 30 June 1999, and that in these circumstances release of the estimated cost of the car park element of the project would be prejudicial to the tender competition. As pointed out in my earlier reply, all elements of the project are being financed in full by the Office of Public Works. Consequently the funding does not impact on the resources available to me for capital works in my Department.
The Deputy will agree that the officials in my Department should no longer be required to work in sub-standard accommodation. Prior to my coming to office in June 1997 there was provision of £98 million for capital projects in the education sector whereas in the current year the allocation is £240 million.
I am aware of the concerns expressed by the parents' committee of Scoil Chaoimhín in relation to the development and its impact on the school. My Department was represented at both recent meetings of the board of management. I accept that there will be inconvenience during the construction phase not only for Scoil Chaoimhín but also for the Department's staff and visitors to the Department. This is unavoidable, but the working group being set up consisting of the parents, board of management and the Office of Public Works should go a long way towards minimising any problems arising.
Concern has been expressed by the parents at the lack of consultation with them. Communication with parents of pupils in the school is a matter in the first instance for the board of management. In this context, an official of my Department met with the board of management in the school over two years ago when they were given a general outline of the proposed development. Furthermore there was correspondence with the board of management in June 1997 regarding issues of concern to the school. In these circumstances it is difficult to understand why the parents were not aware of the proposed development.
The physical planning of the project was carried out by a design team under the aegis of the Office of Public Works. In this regard, the Department, as tenants on the site, had no input into the design approach. This was entirely a mat ter for the design architect and the Office of Public Works having regard to the constraints of the site including the presence of a number of listed buildings whose integrity had to be preserved in the design plan.
I want to allay any fears parents or teachers may have in relation to the continued existence of Scoil Chaoimhín. This is not an issue in the proposed development. In fact, my Department has invited the board of management to submit details of any other improvement works which are considered necessary within the school. I am satisfied that on completion of the proposed project there will be a significant improvement in the environment for the children of Scoil Chaoimhín.
