Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2013
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a building project (details supplied) in County Cavan will progress to the next stage in view of the fact that there is an urgent need to provide additional permanent accommodation at this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45004/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2b - Detailed Design. A decision to grant planning permission for the project was made by the County Council on 23rd September 2013. The Design Team for the project has submitted an application for a fire certificate and disability access certificate to the County Council.
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 were previously initiated but not included in the current 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 the future.
