Vol. 571 No. 1
577 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new school extension to Loreto secondary school, Balbriggan, County Dublin; and if the process to allow the project to advance to stage three will be expedited in view of the requirements of some 1020 students. [20437/03]
A stage 2 submission (sketch scheme) for the proposed extension project at Loreto secondary school, Balbriggan, County Dublin, has recently been received in my Department. This project is listed in section 7 of the 2003 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This proposed project is at an early stage of architectural planning and has been assigned a band 3 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. Projects listed in section 7 are not being authorised to progress beyond their current stage of architectural planning for the time being. The timing of when projects listed in this section can progress to tender and construction will depend on the budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years and the priority afforded to each project by reference to the band rating.
578 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a site acquisition for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20438/03]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works is acting on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally and is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the school referred to by the Deputy. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
579 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school building (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20439/03]
The small-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at stage 3 of architectural planning (detailed plans/costs). On the basis of the budgetary allocation for 2003 it was not possible to allow this project proceed to construction this year. The budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progress on projects, including this project, which could not be included in this year's programme. In the meantime, individual schools should continue to use their devolved grant to deal with any urgent health and health and safety issues.
