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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

126 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy of his Department with regard to a community funding the cost of the provision of an extra classroom in their local national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21596/03]

The alteration of, or addition to, any premises is a matter in the first instance for the owner of the premises. Schools should seek the approval of the patron or owner of the school premises before carrying out any capital investment works.

Where the school premises are privately owned, and the permission of the trustees or owners has been obtained for such works, my Department has no objection to management authorities providing an additional classroom or carrying out improvement works to a school building without grant assistance from my Department providing that the proposed works comply with all statutory requirements, including building regulations, planning permission requirements, fire officer requirements and with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations.

However, prior to starting any construction programme, the school should consult with the Health and Safety Unit of the Office of Public Works in order to establish whether or not asbestos is present in the school building.

In addition, the management authorities must also ensure that the design and/or location of the proposed classroom does not inhibit or compromise any future development of the site.
Where the schools are State-owned, the school must first consult with the building unit of my Department.
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