Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2006

Tuesday, 3 October 2006

Ceisteanna (356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364)

Tom Hayes

Ceist:

464 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a new school building for a school (details supplied). [30515/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of the Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, was requested to explore the possibility of acquiring a site for the school in question. Following an advertisement seeking proposals in relation to possible sites a number of responses were received. Six sites have been visited and their technical suitability as a location for the school was considered.

Following this process, a site on the existing Tipperary Rural and Business Institute (TRBDI) campus emerged as the preferred option. This site is in the ownership of the Institute.

The TRBDI, however, has proposed to the Department that its campus be relocated to a large-scale technology park. Expressions of Interest were sought by TRBDI from the private sector to determine what exactly could be provided at the technology park in exchange for the Institute's current property in Clonmel. The Expressions of Interest sought required the incorporation of a suitable site for the school on the current campus or on an alternative site approved by the Department and the Office of Public Works. The Expressions of Interest received by TRBDI are currently being evaluated.

I want to assure the Deputy again that the permanent accommodation needs of this school are being addressed and the provision of a permanent building for the school will be progressed in the context of the School Buildings and Modernisation Programme when a suitable site has been acquired.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

465 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of band four building projects which will be given clearance to proceed further before the end of 2006; the schools in question which will be prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30550/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

466 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of band three building projects which will be given clearance to proceed further before the end of 2006; the schools in question which will be prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30551/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

467 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of band two building projects which will be given clearance to proceed further before the end of 2006; the schools in question which will be prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30552/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

468 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of band one building projects which will be given clearance to proceed further before the end of 2006; the schools in question which will be prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30553/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

469 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of building projects awaiting progression which are assessed by her Department as being of band four status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30554/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

470 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of building projects awaiting progression which are assessed by her Department as being of band three status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30555/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

471 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of building projects awaiting progression which are assessed by her Department as being of band two status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30556/06]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

472 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of building projects awaiting progression which are assessed by her Department as being of band one status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30557/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 to 472, inclusive, together.

As I indicated when publishing the various strands of the Departments Capital Programme for 2006, I intend to move through the School Building and Modernisation Programme in a planned way over the next five years. This is possible with the availability of a €3.9bn multi-annual capital funding envelope (primary, post-primary and third level) over that period to underpin a continuous programme of modernising school buildings.

The Deputy will appreciate that this investment must continue to be targeted using the published prioritisation criteria. Details of projects to move forward under the programme will be published as and when they are ready to be advanced in the context of capital expenditure requirements.