This is the second time I have raised the issue of Ranelagh multi-denominational school on the Adjournment. It was previously a Church of Ireland school which was in danger of closing but parents came together to form a multi-denominational school which is now flourishing and has a long waiting list. However, it needs new premises. The initial planning application granted by Dublin Corporation was rejected by An Bord Pleanála. It was not a great design because the school has a wonderful site on Ranelagh Road. The second application to Dublin Corporation was upheld by An Bord Pleanála last October. The Department of Education has allowed the school board to proceed to the next stage of an application for a fire certificate and the preparation of pre-tender documents.
The next critical stage is for the school board is to receive permission to proceed to tender, which it hopes to do in early April with a view to the Department finalising the decision in May and giving the school board the go-ahead to commence building at the end of the school year in June. As the Minister is aware, this timetable is quite tight and there is no room for slippage. The school board, therefore, requests the Department of Education to process their application as speedily as possible.
While the new school has been approved for funding, it must be committed in 1997. Any delay will seriously jeopardise the timing of the project, particularly if the school board was not in a position to commence work when the school term finishes in June. As soon as work commences on the school building, pupils will have to vacate it and temporary accommodation has been promised to the school at the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook. The school's board of management is also anxious to finalise its position with the Royal Hospital as it has only been allowed a certain length of time on those premises. In view of these issues, I would appreciate if the Department of Education gave this application its most favourable consideration.
