Vol. 537 No. 2
391 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the current situation with respect to applications for additional accommodation at the following secondary schools: (1) Hacketstown VEC, County Carlow; (2) Arklow community school, County Wicklow; (3) Scoil Bhríde, Carnew, County Wicklow and (4) St. Mary's, Blessington VEC, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15635/01]
My Department's planning and building unit is currently dealing with requests for the provision of additional accommodation in each of the schools in question.
In August 2000, my Department approved a tender for the provision of an extension at Hacketstown vocational school, County Carlow. The extension includes four general classrooms and a number of specialist rooms. My Department has also approved in principle the provision of a PE hall of 406 sq. m. plus ancillary area. My Department is currently preparing PE hall templates, which will standardise the construction of PE halls at second level schools and will reduce the architectural process considerably. The templates will be piloted in four schools initially and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Hacketstown vocational school will be part of this pilot programme.
Regarding Arklow community school, County Wicklow, my Department's building unit is currently awaiting clarification on the stage 2 submission – outline sketch report – from the management authority of this school, County Wicklow VEC.
Regarding Scoil Bhríde, Carnew, County Wicklow, the architectural planning of this project is progressing. Officials of my Department are currently examining revisions to the stage 3 report – developed sketch scheme.
Regarding St. Mary's, Blessington VEC, County Wicklow, the planning unit of my Department is assessing the long-term enrolment of this school. As soon as this matter has been finalised, the school's management authority, County Wicklow VEC, will be notified of the decision.
