Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

376 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction will begin on phase 2 of Castleknock community college, Dublin 15; the reason he has sanctioned prefabs for the college in view of the fact that provision had been made in the 1997 Estimates for a permanent building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22250/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Officials of my Department recently met the design team and the County Dublin vocational education committee to expedite planning of the project at Castleknock community college. The Department is now awaiting the submission of stage 2 of architectural planning, i.e. outline sketch scheme.

I am not in a position to say when construction will commence. However, the project will continue to be accorded a high priority in my Department and every effort will be made to ensure that the planning of phase 2 is completed as quickly as possible with a view to inviting tenders immediately and construction starting forthwith. Because phase 2 of the project will not be ready by September 1998, it is necessary to provide prefabs at the school to cater for increased enrolments.

I met recently a delegation led by Oireachtas Members from the constituency in which the school is located to discuss progress on the project and I undertook to report back directly to the delegation within a short period.