Vol. 536 No. 3
244 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application for building works at a secondary school (details supplied) in County Cavan was made; the position regarding that application; when work is due to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14210/01]
In 1999, the planning and building unit of my Department received an application from the school referred to by the Deputy for the con version of an existing handball court to a handball court /GP area.
The school initially had planned to convert a handball alley on the school site. However, this was deemed to be impracticable from an architectural perspective. At that time, my Department suggested that the provision of an independent GP facility might be a more appropriate solution to the school's accommodation difficulties. However, the criteria outlined in existing planning guidelines state clearly that, in order to qualify for an independent GP facility of 111 M2, the school should retain sufficient pupil numbers to maintain a three classroom school in the long-term.
Following an in-depth examination of the case, which involved consultations with the local inspector, it has been concluded that the school concerned will fulfil the required criteria for a separate GP facility. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities in the matter as soon as possible.
