Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

376 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will issue in respect of the provision of additional permanent accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15542/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In 1999, the planning and building unit of my Department received an application from the school referred to by the Deputy for the conversion of an existing handball court to a handball court-general purpose area. The school initially had planned to convert a handball alley on the school site. However, this was deemed to be impracticable from an architectural perspective.

At that time my Department suggested that the provision of an independent GP facility might be a more appropriate response to the school's accommodation needs. The criteria outlined in existing planning guidelines state that in order to qualify for an independent GP facility of 111 mf7>2, the school should retain sufficient pupil numbers to maintain a three classroom school in the long term.

Following an in-depth examination of the case, which involved consultations with the local inspector, it has been concluded that the school concerned will fulfil the required criteria for a separate GP facility. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities in regard to the matter as soon as possible.