Billy Timmins
Ceist:1166 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the development proposals for schools (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22514/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
My Department is currently assessing the long-term enrolment projections for school (a) listed by the Deputy and when this assessment has been completed, the matter will be considered further. Architectural planning for schools listed at (b), (c), (d) and (e) is under way at present. It is not possible to say at this point when construction will commence. My Department is currently assessing the long-term enrolment projections for school (f), together with other schools in Wicklow town, to take account of the forecasted demographic changes and the consequential effect on demand for places at post-primary level. My Department has recently accepted tenders for the provision of additional accommodation at the school listed as (g).
My Department has received applications for grant-aid towards the cost of building projects at the schools listed as (h) and (m). In view of the very large number of school projects being dealt with, it is not possible to say when the matter can be progressed further.
An educational work sheet has been issued to Wicklow Vocational Educational Committee to be completed by the school listed as (k). This document is designed to enable school authorities to specify and quantify their educational requirements in the context of the totality of the school's curriculum policy objectives. When the requested information has been received, the matter will be progressed further.
The property management section of the Office of Public Works has been asked to report on the possibility of acquiring a site for the school listed as (l). When this report has been received and considered, the matter will be progressed further. The timing of the acquisition of a site will depend on the availability of funding.