Vol. 495 No. 4
429 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a proposed new school (details supplied) in County Kerry; the outcome of consultations locally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20404/98]
The boy's school building, in the area referred to by the Deputy, needs to be replaced. However, the identification and acquisition of a site for a replacement school building, in the general vicinity of this school, has proved difficult. The only site available at present is in close proximity to another school in the parish. Accordingly, the question of a central school to accommodate all the schools in the parish was raised.
Local consultations were carried out with the boards of management and parents of all the schools to ascertain their views on the matter. Of the four the schools in the parish, three favoured the provision of a central school. The board of management and parents of the remaining school reserved their position.
At the request of the board of this school, an official from the planning section of my Department met with the school authorities and parents on 23 September last to clarify certain issues in relation to the proposal. The meeting unanimously decided to vote again on participation in a central school when a definitive response had been received from the country council in relation to planning permission for the nominated site. A decision on the planning application will be made in the very near future.
430 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional moneys have been sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Cork for additional classroom space. [20405/98]
Architectural planning has been initiated for the provision of additional accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy. The scheme will progress to the point of tender invitation. The question of funding arises only when the project is ready for tender.
