Vol. 417 No. 5
176 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the provision of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; if he will outline the extent of the accommodation to be provided; if he will further outline the progress to date on this project, and when he expects that work will commence on this extension.
220 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a lengthy and inordinate delay in reaching a decision on the proposed extension to a national school (details supplied) in County Offaly; if he will outline the nature of the delay and the issues involved with particular reference to correspondence between his Department and the Office of Public Works, and if, in the interest of parents, teachers, the board of management and, most importantly, children, this matter will proceed with due haste.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 220 together.
The present position regarding the extension to the national school in County Offaly referred to by the Deputy is that sketch plans for the project, which will contain two new classrooms, library/medical room and a teachers room plus alterations to the existing classrooms, have been completed and copies sent to the school authorities in January 1991 to enable them to seek local authority planning permission.
However, before planning permission is granted the local authority have requested that an archaeological excavation be carried out due to the school's location adjacent to a national monument. This survey will be undertaken and completed at the earliest possible date.
Because of the above factors, which are outside the control of my Department, I am not in a position to say when construction work is likely to commence.
