Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2006

Tuesday, 16 May 2006

Ceisteanna (410, 411)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

471 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for delay in progressing a school building project (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [17936/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An initial application for additional accommodation, to include a number of specialist rooms, an administration area, a General Purpose/ Dining area and servery, storage areas and a PE Hall, was received from the management authority of the school referred to by the Deputy. Subsequently the school submitted an application for funding towards the provision of six small rooms in temporary accommodation for special needs education.

Given the extent of additional accommodation being sought it was decided to examine the overall accommodation needs of the school in order to ensure that any capital funding which might be provided will deliver accommodation to meet the school's long-term needs. This examination is underway and my officials are in contact with the school authority in this regard.

When the examination is complete a decision will be taken on how best to meet the school's long-term needs and any building project required will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

472 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science when an allocation for additional accommodation from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be considered by her Department; the reason for the delay in assessing and allocating funding in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17937/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to provide ancillary accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The project has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. The project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.