Vol. 574 No. 5
172 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the amalgamation of the two post-primary schools in Banagher, County Offaly, namely, St. Rynagh's Community College and La Sainte Union Convent; when building works on the amalgamated school will commence; the reason for this delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27736/03]
As the Deputy is probably aware, the two post-primary schools in Banagher, County Offaly, have agreed to amalgamate to form a community college. It has been determined that the amalgamated school will be located on the site currently occupied by La Sainte Union Secondary School. My Department has authorised County Offaly Vocational Education Committee to commence negotiations for the acquisition of this site.
The timing of when individual projects, including site purchase, can progress will depend on the budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years, the rate of progress of existing projects in architectural planning and the priority afforded to a project by reference to the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
173 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the amalgamation of the two-post primary schools in Ferbane, County Offaly, namely, St. Joseph's and St. Saran's Secondary School and Ferbane Community College; when building works on the amalgamated school will commence; the reason for this delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/03]
My Department recently received expressions of interest from consultants wishing to be considered for inclusion on a design team for the proposed new community school in Ferbane, County Offaly. Negotiations are ongoing on the acquisition of a site for the new school. The school authorities will be advised of any developments.
