Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
253. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the schools building programme in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1769/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise the Deputy that a building project for the school to which he refers is currently at an early stage of the architectural planning process. Officials from my Department met with the school Patron's representatives recently regarding the progression of the project. The Patron and their Design Team are currently completing the Stage 2(a) report for submission to my Department. Following satisfactory completion of this report and subject to no issues arising, the project will be authorised to commence the application for statutory approvals, which includes the application for planning permission. The projects included in the 2014 Construction Programme announced on 29th November last are scheduled to proceed to construction in 2014 and are part of the Five Year Plan launched 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 the future.In the meantime, my Department approved funding to the school in February 2013 to provide two additional mainstream classrooms to cater for increasing enrolments. I understand that works are well advanced on site to provide this accommodation. I understand also that the school has recently submitted an application for further accommodation and that the application is currently being assessed. A decision will be conveyed to the school authority when the assessment process has been completed.
