School Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2008

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Ceisteanna (706, 707)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

766 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the means whereby he proposes to make sufficient accommodation and the teachers available to meet the educational needs of all children at primary and second level throughout County Kildare by September 2008; if particular or specific provision is expected to be put in place to address the concerns of parents in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23792/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including towns such as Newbridge, Celbridge, Naas, Kill, Maynooth and Athy in County Kildare. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In this context, my Department has assessed the needs in these areas of Kildare and additional accommodation is being delivered to meet those needs for the 2008-2009 school year.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

767 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to meet the refurbishment, upgrading and extension of facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23793/08]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

A tender report for the school building project referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department. As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Naas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In this context, the status of all schools in Naas is being assessed as part of an overall delivery plan, which is currently being formulated within the Developing Areas Unit. As is the case with all large capital projects on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.