Vol. 499 No. 1
1006 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to date by his Department to secure a site for the National School Project at Ballymakealy, Celbridge, County Kildare; the number of contacts made with officials in Kildare County Council in connection with the purchase of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1881/99]
On 10 January I announced a new initiative on school ownership at primary and post-primary levels. Under this initiative, the option of State ownership will be available to the patrons of new schools. In my statement of 10 January, I indicated that discussions would be held with all interested parties on the operational arrangements for the new initiative. To this end, a working group has been established in my Department and is currently examining the implementation details. When this work has been finalised, my Department will be in a position to advance individual projects. While no formal contacts have yet been made with Kildare County Council, I am aware that a site has been reserved for a new primary school at Ballymakealy.
1007 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, in the provision of a sports hall at Coláiste Chiaráin secondary school, Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1882/99]
The building unit of my Department has recently approved the recommended tender for this project. Both the design team and the school authorities have been notified accordingly. Construction on site will commence in due course.
