Vol. 557 No. 5
137 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the capacity of the present permanent school buildings at Meanscoil Iognaid Rís secondary school, Naas, County Kildare; the number of pupils at present being taught in prefabs at the school; when approval will issue to the school authorities to proceed with the required extension to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22777/02]
There are currently four pre-fabricated buildings at Meanscoil Iognaid Rís, Naas, County Kildare, and each is designed to cater for 30 students. Stage 2, which is the outline sketch scheme, has been examined within my Department and it was necessary to seek clarification on a number of items. A response has been received and is currently being considered. If that is satisfactory, the matter of allowing this project to proceed to stage 3 – developed sketch scheme – will be considered in the light of the capital allocation for second level schools' building programme for 2003, existing commitments and competing priorities. At this stage, it is not possible to say when the project is likely to proceed to construction.
138 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional facilities required at the Presentation Convent, Maynooth, County Kildare, as requested in the application for grant aid; and if architectural planning for this project is completed. [22778/02]
Architectural planning for a building project at the Presentation Convent, Maynooth, is at an early stage. Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction in 2003 will be taken in the light of the allocations for primary school buildings in the 2003 Estimates. I will be announcing my expenditure proposals for school buildings in the new year. It is not possible at this point to say when construction will commence.
