Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Jun 1996

Vol. 147 No. 15

Adjournment Matters. - Kells (Meath) Community School Extension.

Mr. Farrelly

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise this issue. The Kells community school is very dear to my heart. In 1986, in the dying days of the then Administration, the school was given the goahead to start construction. This school is no different from any other in a town where there has been a substantial increase in the number of students. The school has made an application to the Department for an extension and is hoping a design team will be approved at the earliest possible date so that the extension, which has been more or less agreed with the Minister's officials, can go ahead as soon as possible.

The school has between 600 and 700 pupils. It is a lovely complex because two primary schools, the community school, a girls' school and a swimming pool are on the one site, which is fairly unique. I hope the Minister can give me some good news for the pupils, parents, teachers and board of management of the school on when progress will commence.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I would like to outline for the information of the House the background to the situation relating to Kells Community School. Approval was granted for the provision of an extension of 476 square metres, to cater for a projected long-term enrolment of 650 pupils, for the school.

The question of appointing a design team for the project is being considered by the post primary building unit of my Department at present. It is the intention of the building unit to make the necessary arrangements for the design team appointments as soon as possible. The school authorities will be informed of any arrangements in due course. When a design team is appointed, architectural planning of the proposed extension will commence. I assure the Senator that every effort will be made to progress the planning of the project at Kells Community School as quickly as possible.

A decision on when this project will proceed to tender and construction stages will be taken in the light of available capital resources. Therefore, I am sure the Senator will appreciate that it is not possible at this stage to say when the actual construction of the additional accommodation will commence.

The Seanad adjourned at 8 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 13 June 1996.