Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
234. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 11 December 2012; the date of the change in his Departments attitude towards Rush and Lusk Educate Togethers permanent building and the reason it was de-selected vis-a-vie the other schools on that list. [57853/12]
View answerIn determining projects that would be announced to proceed to construction during the 5 Year Plan, my Department prioritised new school buildings and extensions to meet future demographic growth. Other factors that were taken into account in scheduling the projects over the duration of the plan included the stage of progression reached by individual projects in the architectural design process, the availability of sites where appropriate and the technical readiness of projects to proceed to tender and construction. My Department in its examination of the project in the case of the school referred to by the Deputy took into account the fact that as the temporary site of the school had become available as the permanent site, the school's long term accommodation needs could be met through the refurbishment and extension of the current school.
The project is currently being progressed through the architectural planning process and is intended to proceed to construction in 2015/16. My Department met with the school's Board of Management in December in relation to addressing issues with the school project. Proposals with regard to the major project will be progressed by the design team in conjunction with the schools Board of Management and Department officials as the main building project is advanced.
