Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2010
157 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she is in a position to release the remaining funds which were allocated for refurbishment work at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35331/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra165 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills to order emergency action in respect of concerns of the school community (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35438/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 165 together.
My Department is aware of the difficulties that have arisen between the school in question, the building contractor and the Consultant Architect that has resulted in delaying the satisfactory conclusion of this project. The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. This is a normal requirement before funding can be provided in relation to school projects. The dismissal of the Consultant Architect by the school authority has created difficulties in relation to final certification of the satisfactory completion of the project and, consequently, payment of the balance of funding due. Officials from my Department have visited the school and my Department will be in contact with the school management authorities again shortly to invite them to a meeting to discuss the ongoing difficulties.
158 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding refurbishment and extension for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35333/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment of their existing school. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project for the school in question, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
In May 2010, the school was approved funding for 5 additional classrooms to meet its immediate needs. Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out an analysis on identified priority locations which will require significant additional accommodation up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within these areas. Athenry will be included in this process. Progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
