Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Amalgamation.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

143 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the current situation regarding the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will consider a request from the schools to appoint the same design team for the building work for the amalgamated school; if he will also clarify the situation regarding the appointment of a senior inspector within the Department to deal with this particular issue arising from a recent retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9378/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department's planning and building unit has prepared a schedule of overall accommodation and the schools to which the Deputy refers have accepted this schedule. At this early stage in the project, it is not possible to say what design team can be appointed for the works involved.

The post of senior inspector within the building unit of my Department will be filled very shortly and it is expected that the newly appointed inspector will take up duty thereafter. In the meantime, the services of the senior inspector who has retired recently are available to the unit on a consultancy basis.

It is envisaged that an inspection by officials of my Department of the schools in question will take place in the near future with a view to progressing this project.