Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

224 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will approve funding for Aughrim national school, County Roscommon, in view of a recent INTO report on the poor condition of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7181/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

At present architectural planning for improved accommodation at Aughrim national school, County Roscommon is under way.

It is not possible to say at this point when construction will commence as the rate of progress to construction of building projects 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 and my Department's building unit, the period of time required for the granting of planning permission and obtaining a fire certificate, the outcome of the tender competition and the procurement, where relevant, of bonds, insurance and tax clearance by prospective contractors. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

225 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will approve funding for Ballyleague national school, County Roscommon, in view of a recent INTO report on the poor condition of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7182/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department is currently considering the most efficient and cost effective way of providing improved accommodation at Ballyleague national school.

In view of the large number of school building projects currently being processed by my Department and the priority to be afforded to such projects, it is not possible at this point to give any indication as to the timetable for the provision of the facilities. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

226 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his current proposals for the upgrading of facilities at Rathmore national school, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7199/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Architectural planning is progressing for the provision of a new eight classroom primary school at Rathmore, County Kildare. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of permanent quality facilities at Scoil Uí Fhiach, Maynooth, County Kildare; the progress to date in regard to the provision of the facilities required; the various developmental stages still to be gone through prior to the conclusion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7200/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The project to provide temporary accommodation for Scoil Uí Fhiach, Maynooth, is currently at an advanced stage. The provision of permanent accommodation is dependent on the acquisition of a site. Until such time as a site has been acquired, it will not be possible to commence architectural planning for a permanent school. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.