Vol. 459 No. 3
140 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the submission made to her Department by a convent secondary school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 for an extension to the school in an available building subject to refurbishment; and her response to the request in view of the urgent need for additional second level places and facilities in the catchment area of the school. [18189/95]
The original application made by the school in question was for the replacement of five prefabricated classrooms. My Department's senior inspector responded to this application by recommending the provision of six general classrooms and toilet facilities for the school.
The trustees of the school then offered a vacant convent building which they thought could be converted easily and economically to provide the recommended additional space. The schedule of accommodation was therefore revised to include the refurbishment of six general classrooms, a science laboratory, an art-craft room, a home economics room, a staffroom and toilet facilities within this building.
However, before any funds could be committed to such a project, the school authorities were requested to carry out a feasibility study to determine if the conversion works would be the most cost-efficient way of providing the recommended teaching spaces. It was found that the works could not be carried out within the cost limits and the school authorities and their design team have recently been requested to report on the costs associated with providing the originally recommended six classrooms as a new extension.
When this report has been received and considered, the Department will be in contact with the school authorities again.
