Vol. 478 No. 3
70 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education the level of classroom accommodation currently available to Kilrush community school, County Clare, on the CBS campus; the number of class groups which can be taught there; where other pupils will be provided for after 28 April 1997; when the proposed extension will commence; and the likely completion date of the extension. [11012/97]
At present Kilrush community school is operating on a split site within the town while awaiting the construction of a single campus. Currently, there are ten general classrooms, a physics room and a science laboratory located on the CBS campus. However, I am satisfied that there is sufficient existing accommodation in Kilrush to cater for all the pupils seeking second-level places in the interim.
Architectural planning for the proposed new extension is proceeding and the planning and building unit of my Department has received the developed sketch scheme, stage 3 for the project within the last two days. The Department expects that consideration of stage 3 will be completed this week. A meeting with the design team is scheduled for earlier next week with a view to expediting the remaining stages of planning.
I am fully aware of the urgent need for additional accommodation at the school and for this reason the project was designated as a priority and included in the 1997 building programme.It is the intention of my Department to ensure that construction of the new building will commence at the earliest possible date.
