Schools Building Projects Status

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Questions (322)

Dara Murphy

Question:

322. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the plans for a new buildings at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23871/13]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. In October 2012, the Department authorised the project to proceed to Stage 2b which includes applications for Planning Permission, Fire Safety Certificate, Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of tender documents. Due to competing demands on the Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the five year construction programme announced last year. Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were previously initiated will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to the Department in future years. The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for progression in this context.