Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:356 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if the Brothers of Charity in Cork will be given permission to apply for planning permission for a new school at Innishmore, Ballincollig, County Cork. [14012/97]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Project.
My Department has initiated the process of drawing up an accommodation brief for the proposed new school at Innishmore, Ballincollig. A sketch design will then be furnished to the school management for agreement. Following completion of a cost plan, the school will then be advised to seek planning permission.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:357 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if his Department has come to a decision regarding Augacasla national school, Castlegregory, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14013/97]
Officials from my Department's building unit met recently with representatives of the board of management and the parents' association of Aughacasla national school, Castlegregory, County Kerry, to discuss the proposed major building project at the school.
My Department's officials advised the meeting that the project as originally proposed is not economically viable. It was agreed that the school would consider the alternatives and submit another proposal which will provide suitable accommodation to meet the long-term needs of the school. The school's new proposals have been received and the feasibility of the new scheme is currently being examined by my Department. As soon as a decision is taken in this matter the school manager will be notified and the project will be progressed.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:358 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education when he will issue sanction for the provision of a post-primary school to service the Knocklyon area in Dublin 16. [14014/97]
In February 1994, former Minister Niamh Bhreathnach commissioned an indepedent agency, the Service Industries Research Centre of UCD under Dr. Michael Bannon, to assess the post-primary needs of the Knocklyon-Scholarstown area. Having considered all relevant data, including demographic trends and proposed housing development, Dr. Bannon concluded that a new post-primary school for the area was not needed. Rather, he recommended that additional accommodation should be provided at two existing schools serving the area, i.e., Coláiste Éanna, Ballyroan, and Templeogue College. The conclusions of the report were accepted by my predecessor, who had the document published in September 1994.
The case for a new school was again reviewed by Dr. Bannon, who reported in January 1996 that developments since his report was prepared did not alter his original recommendation that a new post-primary school to serve the Knocklyon area was not required. I am in the process of reviewing all the documentation in this case and am not yet in a position to make any announcement.