Vol. 547 No. 1
1355 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which adequate second level school places exist in Leixlip, County Kildare; his proposals to augment the facilities at the existing second level schools; the stage of development of such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2578/02]
There are two post-primary schools in Leixlip. An extension has recently been completed at Confey community college, where current enrolment is 678, which will bring the total capacity of the school to 800 pupils. My Department is not in receipt of any application for additional accommodation at Leixlip community college, where enrolments have been in gradual decline for the past few years. My Department is satisfied that there is adequate provision at post-primary level to meet current and anticipated demand in Leixlip.
1356 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of facilities at primary schools in Leixlip, County Kildare; his plans to augment or upgrade the schools' facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2579/02]
At primary level, with the exception of Scoil Uí Dhálaigh, enrolments in Leixlip have been in gradual decline in recent years and my Department is satisfied that there is sufficient classroom accommodation to meet current and future anticipated demand. My Department is not in receipt of an application for enhanced accommodation or refurbishment works from any primary school in Leixlip.
1357 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of the extra facilities required at Maynooth post-primary school, Maynooth, County Kildare; the remaining developmental stages before work commences on the project; the full extent of the proposed facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2580/02]
The stage 3 (developed sketch scheme) has been examined within my Department's post-primary building unit. A number of queries have been raised and these have been brought to the attention of the chief executive officer of County Kildare VEC for evaluation and a response from his design team. Subject to a satisfactory response, the question of authorising the project to stage 4, detailed design, will be considered.
The facilities to be provided include six general classrooms, five specialist rooms, PE Hall, ancillary and circulation areas with a total floor area of 1,836mf7>2. The following stages of architectural planning have yet to be completed: stage 4 – detailed design; stage 5 – bill of quantities; stage 6 – tender action and report. At this early stage it is not possible to say when work will commence.
1358 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the facilities at all primary schools in Maynooth, County Kildare are capable of meeting current and pro jected demands; the extent to which he proposes to extend these schools' facilities or services; the timescale for such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2581/02]
The enrolments in primary schools in the Maynooth area have shown a very gradual increase in recent years. To meet the additional need, an extension for the Presentation convent is currently in architectural planning. In addition, my Department has funded site works and provided temporary accommodation on the proposed permanent site for a new school building for Gaelscoil Uí Fhiaich. It is envisaged that when these projects are completed, there will be sufficient accommodation to meet future needs at primary level in the Maynooth area. The position will be kept under review by the planning section of my Department in light of enrolment and demographic trends in the area.
1359 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of the permanent facilities required at Scoil Uí Fhiach, Maynooth, County Kildare; when these proposals are likely to be implemented; the remaining developmental stages to be undergone before implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2582/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is 153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. In view of the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity. A proposed building project for Gaelscoil Uí Fhiach will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as it is possible to do so under the expanded building programme.
