Vol. 563 No. 4
308 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding for the upgrading of existing accommodation at Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, County Wexford; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there may be asbestos present in the school building and that an inspection of the building is awaited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7925/03]
An application in respect of an extension and refurbishment works is under consideration in my Department. In order to determine the school's accommodation requirements, a projection of long-term enrolment is nearing completion. The projection will shortly be sent to the school management authorities for their observations and agreement. The next step is the determination of how best to meet the identified accommodation needs. This project is not yet in architectural planning and it is not intended to put further large scale projects into architectural planning during 2003. The timing as to when this project may proceed is dependant on the funding allocation in 2004 and subsequent years. In July 2002 the Office of Public Works was requested to inspect the school for the presence of asbestos. The report is still awaited.
