Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
1062 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will expedite the provision of the new school in Ballinamore in County Leitrim, in view of the fact that the current school, Mean Scoil Fatima, has been severely damaged by fire; if he will provide suitable accommodation in the interim for the students as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1214/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra1063 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will bring forward PPS scheme in relation to Ballinamore new post-primary school, County Leitrim, in view of fire destruction during the Christmas period of more than six classrooms of one of the three constituent buildings that were supporting the school set up there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1222/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra1079 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1268 of 16 September 2009, and in view of a recent fire on the existing campus, if she will expedite this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1405/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1062, 1063 and 1079 together.
The new post-primary school project for Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, is one of eight schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.
This bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has been received in the case of seven of the eight schools. Work is continuing on securing outline planning permission on the remaining school site. On successful completion of this process, it is my intention that the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.
The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced. It is not possible to expedite any one school as the nature of the Public Private Partnership process is that the schools will be delivered as a bundle.
My Department has been advised by the school authority that the students displaced because of the recent fire can be accommodated within the existing school buildings in the immediate future. My Department will continue to work with the school should the need for additional temporary accommodation become necessary.
