Vol. 553 No. 2
251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension and extra facilities required at CBS secondary school, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13004/02]
403 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities required at Scoil Iognaid Rís, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13881/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 403 together.
The management authority of Christian Brothers' secondary school, Naas, has recently reached agreement with planning section of my Department concerning the school's projected long-term enrolment. This agreement permits the continuation of planning for the additional facilities required at the school. Planning for the new facilities has now reached the stage 2, outline sketch scheme. A stage submission is currently being examined within my Department.
252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the recent or anticipated progress regarding the provision of the extra facilities required at Rathmore national school, Naas, County Kildare; when it is likely stage 5 and 6 will progress further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13005/02]
408 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of extra facilities at Rathmore national school, Naas, County Kildare; the various developmental stages so far processed in this case; the remaining stages still to be pursued; the likely time scale involved; if the necessary resources are readily available to facilitate the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 408 together.
Architectural planning for a building project at Rathmore national school is at an advanced stage. Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction are taken in the light of the annual allocation for primary school buildings, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects. An extensive building programme for 2002 has already been approved and published. It is not envisaged that the proposed building project at Rathmore national school will proceed to construction in 2002.
Later this year when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates, I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works that will proceed to construction and the school concerned will be one of those considered for inclusion in that programme.
It is my intention to bring greater transparency to the operation of the school building programme and I intend to publish the programme annually. I am also anxious to build a multi-annual dimension into the published programme so that schools will have an indication of the expected timelines relating to their project.
253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of the extra permanent facilities at Gaelscoil Nás Na Ríogh, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13006/02]
413 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the facilities required for Scoil Nás na Ríogh, Naas, County Kildare; the extent to which agreement has been reached in regard to a site; if he has in mind a particular initiative with a view to bringing discussions to a satisfactory conclusion and in time for the new school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13891/02]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 253 and 413 together.
Provisional recognition has recently been awarded to Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh, Naas, County Kildare, with effect from September 2002.
During the period of provisional recognition, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and the Department is in a position to acquire a site and provide a permanent school building. I understand that the promoters of the school have agreed to lease a site from Naas GAA club, on which they propose to place prefabricated accommodation.
254 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to secure a site and permanent school building for Monkstown Educate Together national school, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13007/02]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works has been requested by my Department to report on the possibility of acquiring a site for Monkstown Educate Together national school. As soon as a report is received, the matter will be given further consideration.
