Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

422 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern regarding the health and safety of a national school (details supplied) in County Cork and the fact that the board of management of the school has been assured of progress from his Department; the reasons for the delay in permitting the school to proceed to tender; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the area medical officer of the Southern Health Board has stated that, as the building dates from 1912 and has reached the end of its natural lifespan, remedial works would be insufficient to attain the necessary standards and further went on to strongly recommend that a new school be built as soon as possible for health and safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31791/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Architectural planning in respect of a building project at the school in question is nearing completion. It is noted that enrolments at the school have declined from 44 in the 1996-1997 school year to 26 at present. As the long-term enrolments of a school are the main factor in determining the extent and type of accommodation to be provided, my Department is undertaking an assessment of the future enrolments at the school before proceeding further with the project. My Department will write to the school authorities when this assessment has been completed.