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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

265 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department guaranteed a secondary school for Newport, County Mayo, in the run up to the General Election; the reason his Department stated that a review had yet to be done when approached about this matter in October 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/02]

The provision of second level school facilities in Newport, County Mayo, under the aegis of County Mayo VEC was given approval by my Department in June 1998. The pre-selection of contracts for the new school building project were received in the building unit of my Department in July 2002. As with all proposals involving major capital expenditure, it is essential to confirm that the provision of a new second level school in Newport is necessary, having regard to pupil numbers and existing provision in the general area, before it can be allowed to proceed to the next stage, invitation of tenders. It is in this context that a review of second level provision in the Newport area is being undertaken by the planning section of my Department. A decision on the Newport proposal will be taken on foot of this review.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

266 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to funding for the re-development of St. Mary's Hall, Boyle Community School, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/02]

County Roscommon VEC has applied to my Department for funding for the refurbishment of St. Mary's Hall at Boyle Community College. This hall is owned by the parish of Boyle and as such it is not possible for my Department to take this usual approach to investment in the building. In order to allow my Department to consider grant aid for any refurbishment works, County Roscommon VEC was asked to negotiate a lease with the trustees of the parish. The VEC recently submitted a draft lease prepared by solicitors acting on behalf of the trustees of the parish concerning the VEC's agreement to accept a 25-year lease of the hall. This lease has been forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's Office and pending legal advice a response will issue to the VEC. In addition, officials from the building unit of my Department recently visited the hall to assess the works required to upgrade. They are currently preparing a report on the works required.

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