Michael Moynihan
Question:315. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the proposed extension of a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [34192/13]
View answerTuesday, 16 July 2013
Questions (315)
Written answers
In March 2012, the school referred to by the Deputy was allocated devolved funding under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme for the provision of two Resource Rooms. In October 2012, the school was allocated additional funding for the provision of access ramps to the front entrance and play areas at the school.
In June 2013, the school again applied for additional funding on the basis that the post-tender costs exceeded the amount of grant allocated. Following a visit to the school by officials from the Building Unit of my Department and an examination of the tender documentation it emerged that the school had increased the scope of works from what was approved. The school authorities were advised that the application for additional funding was unsuccessful as the Department was satisfied that the grant provided was sufficient to provide the level of approved accommodation. The school authorities have been advised to reduce the scope of works to that approved by the Department.
The Deputy will appreciate that there are many competing demands on my Department's capital resources and in this context it must prioritise applications for the provision of much needed additional mainstream classroom accommodation.