Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

202 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to major refurbishment for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when approval will be given; the approximate time span for work to start; if his attention has been drawn to the condition of the school; the concern of the teachers union in regard to the standard of the school; if a full refurbishment rather than a temporary job to correct current deficiencies can be rushed through; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5302/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The design team appointed for the project at the school in question submitted detailed documentation and plans to my Department for the proposed refurbishment works and these are being examined.

The rate of progress to construction depends on factors such as the complexity and size of the project, the time required to undertake architectural planning, the volume of other projects being dealt with by the design team and my Department's building unit, the period of time required for the granting of planning permission and obtaining a fire certificate, the outcome of the tender competition and the procurement, where relevant, of bonds, insurance and tax clearance by prospective contractors.

The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not possible to say at this point when construction will commence. However, the school authorities will be kept informed of developments.