Vol. 557 No. 6
117 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the capacity of the present permanent school buildings at St. Mary's Convent of Mercy 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. [23066/02]
An extension project has recently been completed at St. Mary's college, Naas, County Kildare, which will cater for an enrolment of 800 pupils. Since the completion of the extension there is no separate prefabricated building at the school. The school authorities have submitted an application for further additional accommodation at the school and, in this regard, the planning section of my Department has agreed a long-term enrolment of 900 pupils with the trustees. A decision relating to the project proceeding to architectural planning will be taken in the context of the capital allocation for the post primary building programme for 2003, existing commitments and competing priorities.
118 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if nearly 50% of pupils attending St. Laurence's national school, Sallins, County Kildare, are being taught in prefabs; and when the school authorities will receive approval to seek tenders for the required extension to the school. [23067/02]
Architectural planning for a building project at St. Laurence's national school, Sallins, County Kildare, is at an advanced 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 and when all budgetary decisions have been taken by the Government. 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.
