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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

832 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to the Christian Brothers secondary school, New Ross, County Wexford, his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application for refurbishment of the existing school, the building of a new extension and the provision of a security perimeter fence was made to his department in March 1997; that this school has no physical education hall, a medieval science laboratory, no facilities for the instruction of home economics, technology, woodwork or foreign languages; that the school is a regular target of vandals owing to lack of security fencing; if the slow progress of this project is due to staff shortages in his Department's building unit; if so, the way in which he will redress this situation; the timeframe for completion of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23923/00]

I have been informed by my officials that architectural planning for the provision of additional accommodation and refurbishment of existing accommodation at Christian Brothers Secondary School, New Ross, Wexford, was delayed for a very long period as a result of the delay by the school's management authority in appointing a design team nominated by my Department. I understand that the school's management authority only finally appointed the design team in February of this year.

A planning and briefing meeting, which involves all the parties engaged in planning this project, has been arranged for 16 November 2000 to discuss issues relating to the planning of the project.

Concerning security issues at the school, in February 2000, the school's management authority was advised to submit a report with costings in this matter from its consultant architect. This report is awaited. I have instructed officials of my Department to pursue this issue with the school's management authority.

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