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Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Questions (1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126)

Phil Hogan

Question:

1185 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the decision in respect of the need to provide a building that will accommodate a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as well as the establishment of a second level facility for those pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1754/05]

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Written answers

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My officials are currently examining the current and future enrolment levels for the school in consultation with my Department's inspectorate with a view to finalising deliberations on the matter. Further contact will be made with the school authorities when this process is complete.

I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction phase over the next 12-15 months under the €3.4 billion multi annual funding secured for the years 2005-09. I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future in relation to the schools' building and modernisation programme, including details of those school projects which will further progress through the design process. All projects in architectural planning, including the school in question, will be considered as part of this process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the extent to which these facilities will be adequate to meet requirements in the future; her proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1755/05]

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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction work is well under way on the new school referred to by the Deputy. It is envisaged that the school will be completed in the latter half of 2005. My Department's school planning section has no request for any additional facilities for this school.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the project for the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) has advanced; if she intends further initiatives in this regard in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1756/05]

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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction work is well under way on the extension at the school referred to by the Deputy. It is envisaged that the extension will be completed in the latter half of 2005. My Department's school planning section has no request for any additional facilities for this school.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of the progress in relation to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the current project is likely to meet in full the likely requirements; if not, the way in which she will respond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1757/05]

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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction is well under way on a seven classroom extension at the school in question. It is envisaged that the extension will be completed in the latter half of 2005. The need for further accommodation in the area referred to by the Deputy is currently under consideration by the officials in the planning unit of my Department.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of the evaluation of primary and second level school requirements in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas of County Kildare; the likely impact of discussions arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1758/05]

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I am aware that Naas, Sallins and Kill, like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures have been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas.

At primary level an entire new school has been provided at Killashee while temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's and St. Mary's National School and St. Conleth's Naofa in Naas. Temporary accommodation has also been provided at one of the two nearby national schools at Caragh.

At Sallins national school, a seven classroom extension is under construction. When completed, this extension will increase capacity from nine to 16 classrooms. Further expansion at this school is being considered. A brand new state of the art 16-classroom school together with a double autistic unit is under construction in Naas town. This project in particular will assist in easing any difficulties for primary pupil places in Naas.

Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's national school, at Kill national school and at Two Mile House national school. The accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Caragh and Convent of Mercy in Naas are also currently being assessed.

At post-primary level, the management authority of St. Patrick's post-primary school, County Kildare VEC, is currently progressing plans to relocate the school and extend capacity to 1000 pupils. Additionally, an extension project is under construction at St. Mary's College, which will increase capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is under construction at Meánscoil Iognáid Rís and further accommodation needs at the school are currently in planning.

All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the areas concerned. The school planning section of my Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which she has met or intends to so do the requirements as set out by the school authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she intends to take any initiatives in this regard in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1759/05]

View answer

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. Department officials are currently examining an amended stage three submission and the school authorities will be kept advised of developments.

I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction phase over the next 12 to 15 months under the €3.4 billion multi annual funding secured for the years 2005-09.

I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future in relation to the schools' building and modernisation programme, including details of those school projects which will further progress through the design process. All projects in architectural planning, including the school in question, will be considered as part of this process.

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