Vol. 572 No. 3
277 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's plans and timeframe for the provision of post-primary school facilities at Ratoath, County Meath; his Department's plans to commence the new school in temporary accommodation in September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22937/03]
It is proposed to provide a new community college in Ratoath, County Meath, to cater for a long-term projected enrolment of 875 post-primary pupils. The building unit of my Department is currently in discussions with County Meath VEC with regard to the acquisition of a suitable site, which has been identified. The chief executive officer of the VEC is negotiating the purchase of this site.
My Department does not envisage that it will be in a position during this year to initiate architectural planning for the project. The matter of when the project can commence architectural planning is dependent on the financial allocation for 2004 and subsequent years. At present there are no proposals to commence the proposed new school in temporary accommodation in September 2004.
