Vol. 523 No. 5
302 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position in relation to the provision of permanent facilities for the multi-denominational school at Ballymakealy, County Kildare; the advances in sequence in relation to the project in the past six months; when it is expected to proceed to achieve full objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21723/00]
Architectural planning for the development of the national school at Ballymakealy, Celbridge, County Kildare is progressing satisfactorily and an application for planning permission has been lodged.
My Department is currently dealing with Kildare County Council in relation to the question of site acquisition, which will be subject to the granting of planning permission.
It is not possible to say at this point when construction will commence.
303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Kildare where pupils or students are accommodated in pre-fabricated classrooms; the plans he has to replace such structures with permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21724/00]
304 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of children at primary and second level schools who are currently accommodated in pre-fabricated classrooms in County Kildare; the plans he has to replace such structures with permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21725/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.
Data concerning the numbers of students accommodated in temporary pre-fabricated accommodation, or schools with such accommodation, in County Kildare is not available.
Temporary or prefabricated accommodation is generally provided to alleviate short term accommodation needs at first and second level schools. As the Deputy is aware, since this Government came into office the level of capital funding for school accommodation has been very substantially increased. As a result, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of educational infrastructure at both first and second levels.
