Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2010
69 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the necessary funding for an application on behalf of a school (details supplied) for grant assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35490/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 3.3 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on the Department's website. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, 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.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that in March 2010 the school authority was approved grant aid for the provision of 1 Mainstream Classroom and 2 Resource Rooms to meet the school's immediate needs.
