Vol. 559 No. 5
194 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the extension plans for the woodwork room at a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; when this work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26378/02]
The application for refurbishment of the woodwork room will be considered in the context of the overall application for additional permanent accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy. This application is currently being examined in the planning and building unit of my Department. As part of this process, additional information on housing developments was requested – and has now been received – from Wicklow County Council. This information is being examined in conjunction with projected demographic changes for the area and the consequential effect on demand for pupil places at post-primary level. A decision on the matter will be notified to the school authorities as soon as possible. As a temporary measure, the planning and building unit in my Department authorised County Wicklow VEC, in August 2002, to instruct its consultant architect to invite tenders for the provision of temporary accommodation. A report on the outcome of the tender process is awaited.
