Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Security Projects.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

81 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Finglas area included in the schools security project for that area; if Coláiste Eoin and Coláiste Íde, both City of Dublin VEC schools, and Patrician College will be included in this package; the timescale for the completion of the tendering process and implementation of this urgent work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8629/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department has agreed to provide capital grant support for certain security enhancement works in a number of primary and secondary schools in the Finglas East area, which were formerly in receipt of grant assistance for a mobile security service under a pilot project. The schools included are as follows, Scoil Chiaráin, Sacred Heart boys school, St. Kevin's CBS, Mother of Divine Grace national schools, De La Salle boys national school, St. Beneavin De La Salle College secondary school, St. Canice's boys national school, St. Canice's girls national school and St. Michael's secondary school.

As a first step my Department grant-aided the provision of security lighting, extension to fire alarm systems and security shuttering at a number of the schools. Details in relation to tender documentation for the provision of security fencing are currently being finalised. It is my intention that the fencing project will proceed to construc tion as soon as the tendering process has been completed.

Coláiste Eoin, Coláiste Íde and Patrician College are not included in the Finglas Security Project, however, applications are being processed in the planning and building unit of my Department. City of Dublin VEC is preparing tender documentation for the provision of security fencing at Coláiste Eoin and Colaiste Íde. The Patrician College school authority has been given approval to appoint a consultant architect to prepare a report on the problems of vandalism and security at the school and to outline proposals to remedy the situation.