Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2011
119 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the provision of the permanent extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will proceed as a matter of priority, notwithstanding the fact that her Department recently purchased temporary accommodation without the agreement of the school authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2800/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the Department for an extension which has been assigned a band rating of 2.4. 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 that project at this time.
The Department is currently carrying out an ongoing review of temporary accommodation in schools throughout the country. As part of this review, it was determined that better value for money could be achieved by purchasing the rented units at the school rather than continuing with their rental. I assure the Deputy that the purchase of the school's prefabs does not affect the progress of the school's major capital application which will continue to be considered for progression through the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
