Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

242 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that students and teachers in Bridgetown vocational college are forced to work in cold, damp, dilapidated and unhealthy prefabricated buildings while they await the building of an extension first mooted in 1994; if he has satisfied himself that such a timeframe from concept to construction is conducive to proper provision for the educational needs of this school's students; when construction will commence on the extension to this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3036/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The proposed extension to Bridgetown vocational school, County Wexford, is currently in architectural planning. The building unit of my Department recently wrote to County Wexford VEC authorising it to instruct its design team to proceed to stage 4, detailed design, of my Department's design team procedures, subject to a number of technical requirements identified at stage 3 being incorporated into the plans. On receipt of the fully complete stage 4 submission the matter will receive further attention.

It is a matter for the client, County Wexford VEC, to determine in consultation with its design team, an indicative timescale for the completion of the architectural planning process and going on site.

Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 232.

Seamus Healy

Ceist:

244 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to replace the inadequate national school at Mohober, Ballingarry, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3060/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department is assessing the most efficient and cost effective way of meeting the long-term accommodation needs at Mohober national school. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.