Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
269 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science when the pupils of St. Mary’s school, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo (details supplied) can expect a new school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5653/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently considering a proposal from the Aghamore Community Development Company which involves the development of an integrated community campus which would include the provision of a new school to replace the existing St. Mary's national school. When publishing the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that my strategy going forward will be grounded in capital investment based on multiannual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects which were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, with a view to including them as part of a multiannual school building programme from 2005 and I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year. The project for St. Mary's school, Aghamore, will be considered in this regard.
270 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science when he intends to approve new school buildings for Bonniconlon national school, Ballina, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5654/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed large-scale building project for Bonniconlon national school is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This proposed project is at stage 4/5 (detail design/bill of quantities) of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 3 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.
Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multiannual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme including Bonniconlon national school. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
271 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application from St. Joseph’s national school, Ballinagar, Tullamore, County Offaly, for the provision of a new school will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5663/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for additional accommodation for St. Joseph's national school, Ballinagar, County Offaly, has been received in my Department and it is currently being examined in school planning section to determine the long-term accommodation needs of the school. Following completion of this assessment contact will be made directly with the school authorities.
