Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Paul McGrath

Question:

342 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for renovation and extension was received from a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the date of receipt of this application; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are nine pre-fabricated classrooms still in use that are beyond repair at this school; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is no gym, canteen, library or cloakrooms, inadequate toilet facilities and inadequate staff facilities; the progress which has been made in processing this application; and the projected timescale for improvements at this school. [8895/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

An application for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers was received in my Department in December 1998 from the school's management authority. Consistent with normal practice, an analysis of the school's long-term projected enrolment was undertaken. This analysis determined the long-term enrolment at 650 students, which figure has been agreed with the school's management authority.

A schedule of overall accommodation has been drawn up and agreed with the school's management authority. Following a visit to the school, it was deemed necessary to commission a feasibility study to assess the extent of upgrading, refurbishment and rationalisation required at the school. The feasibility study was recently received in my Department and is being assessed currently.