Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

149 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if a new school building will be provided to alleviate overcrowding; the progress which has been made in this regard; when his Department hopes to commence the construction stage; when the original request to increase this school's accommodation was submitted; and the date on which each stage of the process was reached or is expected to be reached. [8358/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department is currently in the process of acquiring a site extension for the provision of improved accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy.

While architectural planning is under way, the Deputy will appreciate that the rate of progress to construction of a major project depends on factors such as the complexity and size of the project, the time required to undertake architectural planning, the acquisition of a site, 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 availability of funding, the outcome of the tender competition and the procurement, where relevant, of bonds, insurance and tax clearance by prospective contractors.

It is, therefore, not possible at this point to give any indication as to the timetable for the provision of the improved accommodation at the school in question. However, the school authorities will be kept informed of developments.