Vol. 493 No. 5
247 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to a request to re-tarmac the yard of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the length of time the request has been with his Department; if it has been approved and, if not, when it will be approved; the estimated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16688/98]
The position in regard to a request to tarmac the yard at the school to which the Deputy refers is that the request is still under consideration within my Department. The original request was made in 1992 and was refused because the works were not considered to be of priority and also because the Department considered that the school management was not properly maintaining the existing tarmac. The school management was advised of this in a letter. As a result of further recent correspondence from the school, the case is being re-examined. A revised cost estimate is awaited. I expect this will be finalised shortly.
248 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in relation to refurbishment works being carried out in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if formal approval for the extra £3,000 has been approved and conveyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16689/98]
Grant assistance in the region of £480,000 has been sanctioned by my Department over the past two years in respect of improvement works at the school to which the Deputy refers. The project consisted mainly of works to the roof, doors and windows.
I take it that the £3,000 which the Deputy refers is a sum of money which the school has requested that the Department contribute towards changing the colour of the newly installed fire doors at the school to improve their appearance. My Department has not given approval for this expenditure. I understand that the change was agreed between the school management and the contractor.
