Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 June 2012
86 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the building application for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31496/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 2a Submission (Developed Sketch Design) and, when complete, the school will forward this submission to my Department for review. Assuming no issues arise, the project will then proceed to stage 2(b) which includes planning permission and the preparation of tender documents.
Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements it has not been possible to advance all school building projects concurrently. The project referred to by the Deputy was not included in the five year construction programme announced in March.
Schools which have not been included in five year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to the Department in future years.
87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide accommodation for a new school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31503/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra88 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when planning permission was applied for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31504/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it was first decided to proceed with building a new school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31505/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his contingency plans in the event of planning permission for a school (details supplied) in County Meath being refused or delayed; the other schools and organisations he has contacted in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 90, inclusive, together.
In March 2011 approval was given for a number of new primary schools to commence operation in September 2011 and 2012 to cater for demographic needs. Approval was granted for two new primary schools in Ashbourne; one under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta to commence operation in September 2011, and the second under the patronage of the patron referred to by the Deputy to commence operation in September 2012.
My Department is working closely with the Patron and Meath County Council in relation to ensuring that appropriate temporary accommodation required for September 2012 is in place.
My Department has also sought the assistance of, and is working closely with, the relevant Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable permanent site for the school referred to by the Deputy. However, due to commercial sensivities attaching to site acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
