Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Question:

141 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to proposed infrastructural developments at Mullingar community college, especially in relation to the provision of a car park, staff room, lift installation, office, reception area and sports hall; if he will guarantee that there will be no undue delay in approving these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8441/01]

Paul McGrath

Question:

151 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received in his Department to provide a lift at Mullingar community college to facilitate students and teachers at that school with special needs; if he has approved the provision of this facility; and if he will outline the time frame for this project. [8523/01]

Paul McGrath

Question:

152 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has sanctioned the provision of a car park, office, and reception area for Mullingar community college; the estimated cost of these projects; if he has allocated funding for these projects; and the estimated time frame for completion of these projects. [8524/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 151 and 152 together.

The building unit of my Department approved in principle improvements projects at Mullingar community college including the provision of car parking, office and reception facilities and lift installation. The building unit is awaiting a cost plan for all these works from County Westmeath VEC. In relation to the provision of a sports hall at the college, approval in principle has also been given for this project. My Department is currently preparing PE hall templates. These will standardise the construction of PE halls at second level schools and will reduce the architectural planning processes considerably. The templates are being piloted in four schools initially and are expected to be available in the first half of this year for generic use.