Dan Neville
Question:203 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be made available to build a gaelscoil in Newcastle West, County Limerick. [22974/99]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
My Department is fully committed to the provision of a new Gaelscoil in Newcastlewest and discussions with the board of management have been ongoing.
Solicitors representing the board of management have recently submitted proposals in relation to the site acquisition costs. These proposals are currently being assessed by my Department.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:204 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science his response to the teachers, parents and the board of management of Scoil an Chlochair and Scoil Naomh Chuimín, Oughterard, County Galway, in relation to their needs; his response to a proposal by the design team of a new school rather than refurbishment and extension of the existing boys' school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/99]
A project to facilitate the accommodation requirements of Scoil an Chlochair and Scoil Naomh Chuimin, Oughterard, County Galway, following their decision to amalgamate, is currently in the early stages of architectural planning.
My Department's planning and building unit is currently considering a preliminary report submitted by the schools' design team. Arrangements are at present being made for a meeting between representatives of my Department, the school authorities and their consultant architect to discuss options for the project's development.
Paul McGrath
Question:205 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the disappointment among staff, parents and students of Moate community school, Moate, County Westmeath, on the lack of progress to date on the proposed permanent extension to this school; the situation on works at this school; if a school gymnasium is to be provided; if he has satisfied himself that this gymnasium is of adequate size to meet the requirements of this school; and if he will make a statement on the reason progress has been slow. [22976/99]
I would like to assure the Deputy that architectural planning for the provision of accommodation at Moate community school is progressing. Currently, the project is at stage four i.e. detailed design stage.
Provision has been made in the plans for a PE hall. The managerial authorities of the school recently requested a larger PE hall than that originally proposed and this request is currently being considered.