Vol. 486 No. 2
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has concluded its deliberations in regard to primary and second level place requirements at Naas, County Kildare; if he will approve extra facilities for St. Mary's College and the other second level schools in the area; if he intends these works to be provided for in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2280/98]
The deliberations referred to by the Deputy are at an advanced stage following a detailed review of the Naas area carried out by the planning section of my Department. At first level, this process includes ongoing consultations and meetings with representatives of existing primary schools in Naas. A further meeting with this group is due to be held on 3 February next.
With regard to second level schools, an extension has been approved for St. Mary's College. The project has progressed to detailed design stage and a submission in that regard is awaited from the school. Approval has also been given for the provision of an extension to Naas CBS. This project is now in the early stages of design. An application for additional places at the vocational school is under consideration, also.
The question of the availability of funding will depend on my Department's other commitments and priorities. However, I am well aware of the situation in Naas and I again assure the Deputy that every effort will be made by my Department to resolve the accommodation difficulties in a timely manner.
