Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
496 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that St. Kilian's junior national school in Kingswood Heights, Tallaght, Dublin 24, had to close on 16 January 2004 to facilitate essential repairs to its roof; if he will send his inspectors to the school and evaluate this most serious situation; if he will prioritise funding for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1773/04]
View answerWith regard to the roof damage, one of my Department's technical staff visited the school and reported that the damaged part of the roof has now been repaired. The cost of these repairs was dealt with by the school through its insurance. The school has also been advised to complete an application under the summer works scheme for roof replacement. This new scheme caters for works that can be planned and delivered during the summer holidays. The 2004 programme will be updated in early spring to provide details of approved projects under the scheme.
A consultant working for the health and safety unit of the Office of Public Works has also visited the school to prepare a report on the asbestos. The consultant has advised that the air tests carried out are clear and the Office of Public Works will continue to monitor this situation.
The large scale project, which will involve works in both the junior and senior schools, is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It is listed in section 8 of the school building programme. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
