Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2004
131 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be granted to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow for an extension in view of the chronic overcrowding being experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16695/04]
View answerThe 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 project is at stage 4, detail design, of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 3 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large scale projects.
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 to tender in this year's programme, including the school in question. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
132 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has for the building of a secondary school in the Knocknacarra area to cater for this rapidly expanding area in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/04]
View answerMy Department has no immediate plans to develop a post-primary school in the Knocknacarra area. However, officials in the school planning section of my Department will be monitoring developments in the Galway City area generally, with a view to making timely arrangements to meet any demands for post-primary places which may emerge in the future.
133 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing problem of serious vandalism attacks, including attempts to set fires at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the assistance his Department can given to the school to take measures to improve security at the school; and when the promised extension and refurbishment of the school will proceed. [16697/04]
View answerThe works referred to by the Deputy come under the scope of the summer works scheme. While the school authority did not make an application under the 2004 scheme, it is open to it to apply under the scheme for 2005. I will be announcing details of the new scheme later this year.
With regard to the proposed large-scale building project for the school, this is listed in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website. The project is in early stages of architectural planning and will be progressed to the next stage of architectural planning this year.
When I published the 2004 school building programme I outlined that my strategy would be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects, which were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005 onwards. This approach will provide clarity as to when schools can expect their projects to be delivered. The proposed project for the school to which the Deputy refers will be included in this review. I expect to be in a position to make further announcements in this matter later this year.
134 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the health problems identified in children’s health nationally, he will review the instruction issued to St Condan’s primary school, Naas, County Kildare, to use its physical education hall for classroom space; if he will grant-aid the provision of temporary accommodation for purchase or rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16750/04]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to St. Corban's primary school, Naas. The school planning section has considered all applications for temporary accommodation for 2004. A list of successful applicants has been published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. In the context of available funding and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications received and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The school in question will be required to maximise existing accommodation until my Department is in a position to provide additional facilities.
