Vol. 480 No. 2
368 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that every effort is made to advance plans for the required extension and upgrading of Waterpark College, Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14082/97]
The post-primary building unit of my Department is awaiting the submission by the school's design team of the developed sketch scheme in respect of this project. At this stage of architectural planning, it is not possible to say when construction of the proposed extension will commence. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is fully aware of the need for this extension and every effort is being made to expedite the architectural planning of the project so that the new building may proceed at the earliest opportunity.
369 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when work will start on the proposed extension of Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for immediate action on this matter; if he will ensure that adequate provision is made in the 1998 Estimates for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/97]
Architectural planning for the proposed extension to Scoil Mhuire, Clane, County Kildare has commenced and is at stage I of the Department's design team procedures. At this early stage of planning, the question of funding does not arise and it is not possible to say when construction will commence. Every effort will be made to ensure that there are no delays in the planning process.
370 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to his Department's request to second-level schools in Naas, County Kildare, to increase enrolment to meet population increases; if his attention has further been drawn to the current need to provide permanent classroom accommodation at St. Mary's College, Naas arising from this policy; if he intends to provide the necessary funds in 1997 or 1998 to meet such accommodation needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14084/97]
371 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the required extension at St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare; the number of extra places now required; the number likely to be provided; when these places will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14085/97]
372 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether he has had an assessment carried out on the number of second-level school places needed in Naas, County Kildare; whether he intends to meet this request in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14086/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 370, 371 and 372 together.
There are three post-primary schools in the Naas catchment area, St. Mary's College, the Christian Brothers School and the Vocational School. All three schools have applied for the provision of additional accommodation.
In light of these applications and the extensive housing developments in the area, the planning section of my Department is undertaking a major review to determine the short, medium and longer term needs of the schools. This review is ongoing at present and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. When the review is completed and the outcome assessed, my Department will contact the schools in the matter.
In the context of the review, the schools in Naas were asked about their capacity and willingness to expand, in the event that this was considered necessary. However, this inquiry was strictly a part of a fact-finding process, rather than a request to increase enrolment.
The architectural planning of the building project for St. Mary's College has reached stage four of the Department's design team procedures. This is the detailed design stage. The project was not included on the 1997 capital programme by my predecessor.
The question of funding in 1998 will depend on the capital allocation for that year and on my Department's other commitments and priorities.
373 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the expected starting date for the construction of the new girls' second-level school at Celbridge, County Kildare; if the standard developmental stages of the project will be expedited; if the necessary funds are available to facilitate the expeditious process of the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14087/97]
Architectural planning for the new community school in Celbridge, County Kildare is proceeding and has reached stage II of the Department's design team procedures, outline sketch scheme. The question of finance for building work will not arise until the planning process has been completed. At this stage, it is not possible to give a starting date for construction. However, every effort will be made to expedite the remaining stages of planning in order to ensure that building starts at the earliest possible date.
