Vol. 522 No. 4
244 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath which is required in order to provide accommodation for remedial teaching and also due to the increase in the number of students at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18839/00]
My Department's planning and building unit will be pleased to consider an application from the management authorities of the school in question for additional accommodation.
245 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the current status of an application for a new school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if the plans have been completed and furnished to the relevant parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18840/00]
Architectural planning for a project at the school in question is proceeding as quickly as possible having regard to the large number of school building projects on hand within my Department.
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.
