Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
570 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the request by the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Galway for an extension to its school; if her attention has been drawn to chronic overcrowding at the national school; if other funding streams are available to the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30737/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for capital funding towards the provision of additional classroom and ancillary accommodation.
An upward trend in enrolment in recent years necessitated a review of enrolment and demographic trends to ensure that any capital funding being provided is appropriate to meet the school's long-term accommodation needs. This review is under way and officials will be in contact with the school authority in this regard. A decision will then be made on how best to meet the school's long-term accommodation needs. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 — 2009.
The school authority has recently submitted an application under the additional classroom accommodation scheme 2006. The purpose of this scheme is to provide an accommodation solution to schools for the 2006-07 school year, where an absolute need is demonstrated.
Officials of the Department's school planning section are in the process of recording and assessing all applications received. On completion of the process, it is planned to publish the list of successful applicants in December 2005.
571 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given for the new science room at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30738/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2006 additional classroom accommodation scheme for a double science classroom has recently been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The purpose of the scheme is to provide an accommodation solution to schools for the 2006-07 school year, where an absolute need is demonstrated.
Officials of the Department's school planning section are in the process of recording and assessing all applications received. On completion of the process, it is planned to publish the list of successful applicants in December 2005.
572 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for additional building facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30741/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the school building programme from 2006 onwards.
