Vol. 546 No. 1
197 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the request from the Patrician Academy in Mallow, County Cork regarding funding to build a gymnasium and a multi-purpose assembly room; the timescale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31339/01]
An application by the school authorities of Patrician Academy, Mallow, for grant aid to develop facilities at the school has been received in the planning and building unit of my Department. The initial examination of the application has been completed in the planning section. As part of this process, all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends in the area, have been taken into consideration. A long-term enrolment projection has recently been forwarded to the school authorities for their views. As soon as a projection figure is agreed, a decision will be made on how best to provide for the accommodation requirements of the school. A decision regarding the appointment of a design team for any proposed building project at the Patrician Academy will be taken in the light of available finances and other competing priorities.
198 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the repairs required at the Convent of Mercy secondary school, Mallow, County Cork; when funding will be made available to enable repairs to be made to the roof of the school and to repair a sewage problem; the progress which has been made regarding plans for a new school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31341/01]
The school authorities are seeking retrospective grant aid toward the cost of roof repairs carried out in the existing accommodation. The matter of funding is currently under consideration. I understand that no formal application has been received from the school authorities in respect of sewerage works. The project for the provision of a new school for the Convent of Mercy secondary school, Mallow, County Cork is currently at stage five – bill of quantities. The question of authorising the project to proceed to stage six – tender action and report – is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as possible. In the meantime my Department's building branch will be in touch with the school authorities shortly regarding these remedial works.
