Vol. 484 No. 2
17 Ms M. McGennis asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the provision of the primary school at Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10; the phases involved and the normal timescale for each phase; the current status of the development; the further work required to go to the next phase; and the current status of the funding programme for the development. [21594/97]
140 Ms M. McGennis asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position regarding the provision of a primary school for the community of Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10; when it is expected that enrolment will commence; the facilities which will be provided in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21606/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 140 together.
A new ten classroom junior school is planned for Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10, under the patron-age of the Archbishop of Dublin. The archdiocese identified a site for the proposed school and my Department's building unit has prepared sketch scheme drawings.
These drawings have been referred to the patron's local representative who is currently consulting widely in respect of the plans. The patron's representative has recently indicated that this process involved issuing a mailshot to each house in the parish and that he will then be in touch with my Department. As soon as the plans are agreed my Department will assist the archdiocese with an application for planning permission for the project. On receipt of planning permission the archdiocese will proceed with the acquisition of the site and my Department will undertake detailed design work and the preparation of the tender documentation for the scheme.
The timescales for planning stages of major building projects vary in each individual case and, therefore, I am not in a position to give an accurate timescale for each stage of this project. However, I assure the Deputy that my Department will give this project priority.
When all the necessary planning work is completed a decision will be taken on the timing of the tender and contract process in the light of existing contractual commitments and available funding at the time.
At this stage, it is too early to say when enrolments will begin.
