Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004

Wednesday, 15 December 2004

Questions (241)

Michael Lowry

Question:

255 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the health and safety crisis facing a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that a new site has been purchased for the school and has been lying idle for the past three years; if, in view of the serious and often almost fatal road traffic accidents within metres of this school, she will sanction the building work immediately for the new school before a parent or child dies as a result of Department inaction on a new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33641/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department is aware of the circumstances of the school to which the Deputy refers. A site for a new school was purchased by my Department and the project is now being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.