Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2012
65 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will, as a matter of urgency, progress through the planning process an application for a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare where new modern accommodation is urgently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7059/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning which includes Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents which will then be submitted to my Department for review.
The Department will shortly publish an outline five year programme on the projects to be constructed in that time. The school building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in the context of that programme, taking into account the funding available, the building costs involved and the progression of other major projects required to meet demographic needs.
66 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the progress made in recent years towards streamlining and modernising primary school provision at a location (detail supplied) in County Kildare; if he acknowledges the value to students and teachers arising from the construction of a comprehensive new education campus; if he will now commit to completing the task by ensuring that the remaining school in the area is extended, upgraded and modernised to meet acceptable, present day standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7060/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the process of tendering for appointment of a design team on the school building project to which he refers has recently commenced. The project will entail the extension and refurbishment of the existing school. An advertisement seeking suitably qualified consultants has been published on the Government's public procurement portal (www.etenders.gov.ie) and the school has been informed. Once appointed, the design team will commence architectural planning of the building project.
