Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2013
114. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will indicate the priority attached to a school building project wherein there is provision for the establishment of a three classroom autism spectrum disorder unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20721/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the band rating of a school building project (details supplied) in County Cork; if this rating reflects the fact that there is provision within this project to establish a three classroom autism spectrum disorder unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20722/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together. The Deputy will be aware that the school in question has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for the construction of an 8 classroom school with a 3 classroom Special Needs/ASD unit.
The building project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. In January, the project was authorised to proceed to Stage 2(b) of the architectural planning process which includes making applications for planning permission, Fire Safety Certification, Disability Access Certification and the preparation of tender documents. The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including the school in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is being updated regularly throughout the year.
Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in future years. The project referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered for progression in that context. Priority band ratings are attached to school building projects serving rapidly developing areas where there is no existing school or where existing provision is unable to meet the demand for places. The next priority category includes the provision of specialist accommodation for children with special needs.
