Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

267 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the conditions at Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, Dublin 9, which has a shortage of two classrooms and therefore has severe accommodation problems for its pupils and staff; the reason earlier commitments to provide two new pre-fabricated classrooms have not been kept; and if, given the disadvantaged status of this school and the unacceptable overcrowding at present, he will take steps to expedite this matter. [24722/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The board of management of the school in question has been authorised by my Department to apply for planning permission and seek tenders for the provision of two additional temporary classrooms. When this stage of the process is completed, my Department will review the application for grant aid in the context of the funds available in 2003 for such projects.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

268 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made regarding a school project (details supplied) in County Cork. [24809/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The extension and refurbishment project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at stage four of architectural planning. Officials of the post-primary building unit of my Department are examining the stage four submission and will be in further contact with the school management authority upon completion of this examination.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

269 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a secondary school project (details supplied) in County Cork. [24810/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department's post-primary building unit has agreed a schedule of residual accommodation with the management of the school to which the Deputy refers. The question of the approval to authorise the appointment of a design team for the project is being considered. A final decision will be made in the context of the capital allocation for 2003 for the post-primary building programme, existing commitments and competing demands. The decision will be conveyed to the management authority of the school in question as soon as possible.

Liz McManus

Question:

270 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the urgent need for the provision of an extension and PE hall at a college (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24823/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The school to which the Deputy refers is to receive additional accommodation to cater for a projected long-term enrolment of 550 pupils. The proposed extension includes for the provision of a PE hall.

In May 2002 officials in the building unit of my Department wrote to County Wicklow Vocational Education Committee requesting it to address a number of issues concerning its revised stage two submission, outline sketch scheme. A response is awaited.