Vol. 537 No. 5
86 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in the planning process of an application for the provision of a Gaelscoil in Ballinasloe, County Galway; and the reason for the delay in providing adequate accommodation for the increasing numbers attending this school. [17108/01]
Architectural planning for the provision of a new Gaelscoil in Ballinasloe, involving eight classrooms and ancillary accommodation, is under way at present. My Department is also purchasing a site for the school and this will be finalised when planning permission has been acquired.
The rate of progress to construction of a major project 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 availability of funding, the outcome of the tender competition and the procurement, where relevant, of bonds, insurance and tax clearance by prospective contractors.
It is not possible to say at this point when construction will commence. However, every effort will be made to minimise delays.
