Vol. 526 No. 3
386 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has now been purchased and paid for by Westmeath VEC to facilitate the rebuilding of Coláiste Cionn Torc, Castlepollard, County Westmeath; if he will indicate the next stage in the provision of this new school; and if he will give the projected time scale for this development. [26240/00]
A site has been purchased and paid for by County Westmeath Vocational Education Committee to facilitate the building of a new school in Castlepollard, County Westmeath. Architectural planning of the new second level school is continuing. I cannot say at this stage when the construction of this school may commence. However, I assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to expedite the progress of the project through the remaining stages of architectural planning.
387 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if ministerial approval was given for the extension-replacement of Coláiste Cionn Torc, Castlepollard, County Westmeath, in 1986/1987; and his views on the long delay in providing this facility. [26241/00]
While an extension was sanctioned for Coláiste Cionn Torc, Castlepollard, County Westmeath, in 1985, this project did not proceed due to declining enrolments.
In 1996 approval was given to County Westmeath VEC to appoint a design team to provide additional accommodation on the Coláiste Cionn Torc site. Following the commencement of the architectural planning process, it became apparent that the site was inadequate. In early 1999 it was decided to acquire a green field site in the area so as to provide a more suitable campus. Architectural planning was deferred pending the acquisition of a new site.
Now that a suitable site has been acquired and paid for, it is envisaged that this project will progress quickly through the remaining stages of architectural planning.
