John Bruton
Question:162 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position in regard to the building of new second level facilities in Trim, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17730/00]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the new community school for Trim is currently under construction.
John Bruton
Question:163 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has not provided an up to date report concerning plans to further develop facilities at Yellow Furze national school, as indicated in Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 2 February 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17731/00]
I indicated in a reply to a question from the Deputy on 15 February 2000 that the cost plan for the building project in question is being examined by my Department's technical staff.
The Deputy will appreciate that the rate of progress to construction for a capital project depends on factors such as the complexity and size of the project, the time required to undertake architectural planning, the volume of other projects being dealt with by the design team, the period of time required for the granting of planning permission and a fire certificate and the outcome of the tender competition. These processes are by their nature lengthy and complex and can take a considerable period of time to complete. Delays can arise at any point in the process, consequently it is not possible to say when projects being processed at present will proceed to construction. However, every effort is made by my Department to minimise delays and to ensure that construction is started in the shortest period of time possible. In all cases, the school authorities will be kept informed of progress.