School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Ceisteanna (214)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

300 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to provide permanent school accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; his views that the accommodation in which the school is currently based is inadequate in view of the increasing population as evidence by the recent Central Statistics Office figures; and if he will provide an update on the position in relation to plans for an extension at this school. [25569/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on the Stage 1 Submission (Site Report/Suitability and Initial Sketch Scheme).

Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of school accommodation to meet the demographic requirements, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction at this time.

Question 301 answered with Question No. 296.