I thank the Minister of State for attending the House. My concerns are based on building projects under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science, and particularly Athlone Community College. Those concerned with this fine school — including its pupils, parents, the CEO and committee of Westmeath VEC, the board of management and staff — are seeking clarification on a starting date for the new school building. It was promised well over a year ago and has a priority 1 rating.
After the completion of a feasibility study in 2002, which was commissioned by Westmeath VEC at considerable cost, it was recommended that a new school should be built. After lengthy discussions, Westmeath VEC purchased lands in Athlone for the new school. The VEC was informed by the Department of Education and Science that the school would be built in record time, as design templates were in place for such projects. The Department further encouraged parents, pupils and staff by engaging them in the design of the new facility. Updates were sought and provided and until recently everything looked positive. The VEC committee was led to believe that it was simply a matter of tendering for the design team. The executive and the principal even had an information evening, including a powerpoint presentation, to outline the timescale, stages and procedures. A PSD was also put in place to liaise and advise on how to appoint this said design team.
However, the position is now less than clear. Responses from the Department are infrequent and the impression is being given that this project may not be as important as others in Dublin, which Senator Dominic Hannigan also mentioned. I hope this is not the case as provision of education facilities is fundamental to the growth of Athlone as a town in the midland gateway.
For well over 12 months until July of this year, this project was on course. Since July, only one month after the general election, communications have virtually ceased. The communications which take place are mixed. For example, in July, the chief executive officer of Westmeath Vocational Education Committee wrote to the school planning and building section in Tullamore responding to a letter that outlined the schedule of overall accommodation for the proposed new school. In this letter, the CEO thanked the school planning and building section for the speed in progressing the project, as it had been very efficient up to this point. The CEO observed that the total floor area of 8,168 sq. m was less than adequate for a school of 1,000 pupils and the space both externally and internally in terms of playing pitches and parking was inadequate. There were not enough parking places for teachers, not to mention ancillary staff and pupils. The floor space does not compare to other school projects recently completed around the country. On a pro rata comparison, I understand the floor area should be of the order of 9,400 sq. m.
After this letter had been sent, a meeting was requested by the CEO and the principal. This meeting eventually took place after some time and was convened in the offices of the VEC in Mullingar. The CEO and the principal had a very focused agenda but the officials from the planning and building section had a completely different one. The new secondary school for Athlone Community College was not the issue.
On behalf of those whose heart is set on this new school, I implore the Minister of State, Deputy Tony Killeen, to speak to the Minister for Education and Science and encourage her and the Department to proceed with this very worthwhile project. I acknowledge the amount of money which has been spent on capital projects in Athlone. The Our Lady's Bower secondary school is nearly completed and I acknowledge the €600 million that has been allocated. However, because Athlone Community College is a band 1 priority, it should also be included.