Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
1114 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received for the development of phase two of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2030/10]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers made an application for a new school building in May 2005. The Department delivered an 8 classroom building in 2009 as the first phase of the project to meet the school needs.
Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years and the area referred to by the Deputy will be included in this process.
Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within the area. Any further development at the school in question will be considered in that context.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
1115 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the stage 2B report has been received by him regarding a planned extension by a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; the position regarding same; and when the construction contract will progress to tender stage. [2031/10]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on completion of the stage 2(b) report and expect to submit this to my Department shortly.
On completion of stage 2(b) this project will proceed to tender and construction. However, until the stage 2(b) is received and cleared it is not possible to provide a more definitive timeframe for commencement of construction at this time.
