Schools Building Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Questions (1239)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

1239. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a secondary school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 which has been closed for three years because of damage; if she will provide an update on same; the reason there has been such a delay in carrying out repairs; the current position; if a repair contract has been signed, the nature and duration of work schedule; if her Department is still considering the overall number of schools in the area or if such consideration is finalised; if there are talks ongoing regarding the make-up of the board of the school; the expected opening date of this school; if the board structure-patronage-ethos will change when the school re-opens; if the total cost of alternative accommodation to date can be provided along with an estimate of cost for the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31049/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to clarify for the Deputy that while it was necessary for the school to vacate the main school building following weather related damage, the school has continued to operate in temporary accommodation pending the restoration of the building and the provision of an extension. In this regard, the proposed building project is at Design Team appointment stage. When appointed, the architectural planning process for the project will commence. It is not possible at this point to give a definitive completion date for the project. However, it is my Department's intention to progress the project as quickly as possible having regard to the normal technical and statutory requirements. The project, when completed, will cater for the school's existing enrolment and for future demographic growth. With regard to interim accommodation, my Department has provided total grant of €404,836 towards this accommodation which includes the costs associated with its installation. On the basis of the existing temporary accommodation, the estimated cost of interim accommodation for the coming year is €185,000. The current operational and management structures at the school will continue. I wish to advise the Deputy that the various procedures for the appointment of Boards of Management across the three sectors at post-primary level do not require patrons of post-primary schools to formally confirm each Board's appointment to my Department. With regard to the overall need in the area, my Department is currently completing a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional post-primary school accommodation might be needed from 2017 onwards. Should the need for increased capacity be identified in the area concerned, a decision on how this need will be met will be determined as part of this process at the appropriate time.