Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
388
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the position in regard to the provision of primary and second level school facilities in the Naas, Kill, and the Sallins areas of County Kildare; the degree of agreement reached in regard to the extension of existing facilities and the relocation to new site facilities; the degree to which such plans are likely to be implemented in each case in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13756/02]
At primary level in Naas, provisional recognition has been recently granted to Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh to commence operating from 1 September 2002. During the period of provisional recognition, the operation of the school and the growth of pupil numbers will be monitored by the Department and it will be 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.
At post-primary level, following consultation with the Department's planning section, the trustees of Meánscoil Iognáid Rís and St. Mary's Convent of Mercy have each indicated that they do not wish to exceed a maximum of 900 pupils.
In connection with the individual building projects, the position on each of the post primary schools is as follows. The stage 2, outline sketch scheme, submission for the extension project at Méanscoil Iognáid Rís to cater for a long-term enrolment of 900 pupils is currently being considered within my Department's post-primary building unit. On completion of this examination and subject to all being satisfactory, the question of allowing the project to proceed to stage 3 (developed sketch scheme) of architectural planning will be considered.
An extension project has recently been completed at St. Mary's Convent of Mercy, Naas, County Kildare, which caters for an enrolment of 800 pupils. The school authorities have submitted an application for further additional accommodation. This accommodation will be based on the projected long-term enrolment figure of 900 pupils with which the trustees of the school agree, as indicated above.
My Department has an extensive schools building programme under way at present. The programme includes a very substantial programme of works scheduled to go to site in the course of the year as well as a large number of projects at various stages of planning.
Decisions relating to additional projects proceeding to planning are taken having regard to the annual allocation for capital projects, existing commitments and priority afforded to each individual project. It is not envisaged at this stage that planning for a building project at St. Mary's College, Naas, will be initiated prior to the publication of the Estimates later this year. When the financial allocation has been made for the second level schools' building programme for 2003, this school's application will be reviewed and officials of my Department will be in direct contact with the school's management authority.
A proposal submitted by the chief executive officer of County Kildare VEC to relocate St. Patrick's community college to a new site, including the possible sale of the existing school, is currently being considered by my Department's post-primary and administration units.
A letter has issued to County Kildare VEC requesting clarification on a number of issues. A response is currently awaited. Upon receipt of a response, this matter will receive further attention. In the meantime planning section is currently assessing the impact of additional housing developments in the Naas area on the long-term accommodation requirements of St. Patrick's post-primary school.
Architectural planning is at an advanced stage in relation to primary school building projects in Naas and Sallins. My Department has requested the Office of Public Works to explore the possibility of acquiring a site in Kill. The relevant school authorities will be kept advised of developments.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
389
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the position in regard to the provision of the required facilities at Sallins national school, Sallins, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the need locally in this regard; if he can give assurance that sufficient provision will be made to meet requirements before the end of 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13757/02]
Architectural planning for a building project at Sallins 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 finan cial 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 Sallins national school, Sallins, County Kildare, 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 projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
390
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the reason for the delay in the provision of the facilities required at Maynooth post-primary school, Maynooth, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the acute shortage of classroom space at the school resulting in restriction of school activities and extra curricular activity; if the necessary funds are available to proceed with this work immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13758/02]
A stage 3 submission, developed sketch scheme, as submitted to my Department by the school's management authority was incomplete. A revised stage 3 submission has recently been submitted and is currently being examined within my Department.
On completion of this examination and subject to all being satisfactory, the question of allowing the project to proceed to stage 4, detailed design, will be considered.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
391
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if his attention has been drawn to the full extent of the extra facilities needed at Scoil Clocha Naofa, Kilcock, County Kildare; when the deficiency of facilities is likely to be addressed; if a plan has been drawn up with a view to taking the necessary measures for implementation before the end of 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13759/02]
My Department has an extensive primary school building programme under way at present and this includes a large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning.
Decisions on additional projects proceeding to architectural planning are taken in the light of the annual allocation for capital projects, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects. The pro gramme for 2002 is in place and the schools concerned have been notified.
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 and this will involve putting more projects into architectural planning. The needs of Scoil Clocha Naofa, Kilcock, will be considered at that time.
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 projects.
