School Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017

Tuesday, 23 May 2017

Questions (201)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

201. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the technical survey of the future site of a school (details supplied) has been carried out; if he will publish this assessment; the estimated cost to refurbish the buildings; when it will be refurbished; the area of the new refurbished building; the number of classes which will be available; if he will meet with the principal and representatives of the parents' council; if so, when; if new prefab accommodation will be necessary at the school's current location in 2018; and the estimated per annum cost of same. [24023/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to relocate the school in question to the property referred to in the details supplied to meet the school's permanent accommodation needs.

The property transferred to the Minister’s ownership last year. My Department has inspected the property which is a listed structure. The position is that the building requires extensive refurbishment to make its facilities fit for modern school purposes. In that regard, a significant financial investment will be required and this has to be considered within the overall available capital envelope. It is not possible to disclose the estimated cost as to do so could prejudice the tender process.

I am not, therefore, in a position at this stage to indicate when the refurbishment works will be undertaken. My Department will be in further contact with the Patron when any further update is available.

In the interim period, the school has been advised to extend the current lease on its temporary premises until June 2018.