Schools Building Projects.

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Questions (220)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

304 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) is unable to meet the request for places in the school, as there is full capacity under health and safety regulations; his plans to rectify this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4822/04]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The proposed large-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme, which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie This proposed project is at stage 3, detailed plans-costs, of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. The proposed project will be authorised to progress to advanced architectural planning during 2004. Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004.

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. In addition to the proposed large-scale building project, five temporary classrooms have recently been provided at the school.