Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
67. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that funding is immediately made available for a building project (details supplied) in Dublin 15 involving the removal of prefabricated classrooms and the provision of ten classrooms and sports hall. [17588/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design team are currently working on the completion of stage 2(b) which includes the preparation of tender documents.
Due to competing demands on the Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements it was not possible to include this project in the 5 year construction programme announced in March 2012.
School building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were previously initiated 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to indicate at this time, the timeframe for the progression of this project to construction stage.
