Schools Refurbishment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (376)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

486 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that St. Killian's junior national school, Kingswood, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was obliged to close on 16 January because of the need to carry out repairs to the roof of the building which was damaged in bad weather over Christmas 2003 and cost the board of management an estimated €4,000 to repair; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the roof collapsed in late 2002 and continues to pose an ongoing health and safety risk; and the assistance he intends to provide to the school which has been on his Department's waiting list since 1999. [1740/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

With regard to the roof damage, one of my Department's technical staff visited the school and reported that the damaged part of the roof has now been repaired. I understand that the cost of these repairs was dealt with by the school through their insurance. The school has also been advised to complete an application under the summer works scheme for roof replacement. This new scheme caters for works that can be planned and delivered during the summer holidays. The 2004 programme will be updated in early spring to provide details of approved projects under the scheme.

A consultant working for the health and safety unit of the Office of Public Works has also visited the school to prepare a report on the asbestos. The consultant has advised that the air tests carried out are clear and the Office of Public Works will continue to monitor this situation.

The large-scale project, which will involve works in both the junior and senior schools is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It is listed in section eight of the school building programme. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.