Vol. 526 No. 3
443 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position in relation to the provision of permanent facilities for the north Kildare school project, Ballymakealy, Celbridge, County Kildare; the degree to which he has advanced his proposals in this regard in recent times; the schedule in respect of the provision of the facilities involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26798/00]
As indicated in my reply to parliamentary Question No. 302 of 11 October 2000, architectural planning for the development of the national school at Ballymakealy, Celbridge, County Kildare, is progressing satisfactorily and an application for planning permission has been lodged. When formal approval of the planning application has been received, the project will be advanced further.
444 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that adequate school places exist to meet current and future requirements of primary school children in Naas, County Kildare; his plans to respond to such requirements given current and anticipated demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/00]
445 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if sufficient second level school places and facilities exist in Naas, County Kildare to meet requirements in respect of second level students; his plans to address the situation currently and in the long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26800/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 445 together.
At primary level, temporary accommodation has been provided at existing schools in the Naas area to cater for immediate requirements. Architectural planning for a new 16-classroom school is also under way and it is expected that, when this building becomes available, there will be sufficient accommodation available in the town to meet medium and long-term requirements.
At second level, the position is that, following an evaluation of post-primary school requirements in the Naas area, building projects were approved for all three schools in the centre. It is envisaged that, when these projects are completed, there will be sufficient accommodation available to meet future needs.
However, the area will continue to be closely monitored by my Department to ensure that any emerging additional requirements are addressed.
