Wednesday, 16 Dec 2015

Written Answers Nos. 158-163

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (158)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

158. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the long-sought new-build school to replace the current structure of the Holy Family school in Cootehill in County Cavan; if the project is beyond design stage; if the tendering stage has been reached; if the required funding has been approved to allow the project to proceed to construction in 2016; if works will commence in 2016, the alternative accommodation that has been arranged for pupils and teachers during construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45584/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The project to provide permanent accommodation for Holy Family School, Cootehill, Cavan is currently at Stage 2(a) (Developed Design stage) of the architectural planning process. My Department officials recently met with the school authority and their design team to determine what issues, including the decant requirements, remain to be addressed in the design stages and the most effective means of addressing those issues. As the Deputy is aware on Tuesday 17th November 2015 I announced details of the major school building projects where construction is expected to commence over the next 6 years. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the major project for this school is included in this plan and is scheduled to commence construction in 2016. Information in respect of all projects on the 6 year plan is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (159)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

159. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will look favourably on an application under the summer works scheme submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, given that the playground is a health and safety risk and given that it does not lend itself to all-inclusive play for all the children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45594/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that commensurate with the level of funding available for the Summer Works Scheme, applications including that from the school referred to by the Deputy will be assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0055/2015), is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. It is my intention to publish a list of successful applicants at the end of February/early March 2016.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (160)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

160. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an appropriate school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 in time for the commencement of the school year in September 2017; the site where the school will be located; the status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45611/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that a suitable permanent site for the school to which he refers has been identified and the acquisition process is underway. Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to provide further details at this time. I can, however, assure the Deputy that the acquisition of a new site for the school is a priority for my Department and that the patron body, Educate Together, will be informed of the location for the school as soon as it is possible to do so.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (161, 162, 163)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

161. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has concerns in regard to the planning application for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, which has DEIS status and which is funded and due to go to build in early 2016, particularly with regard to any undue delays over ambiguity surrounding the requisite wastewater and surface water infrastructure required to facilitate a successful planning application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45654/15]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

162. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills who has responsibility for the financial and provision costs to provide the necessary wastewater and surface water infrastructure to facilitate the construction of a school (details supplied) at the earliest possible date. [45656/15]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

163. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she established and resolved the outstanding impediments remaining in place to having a planning application lodged to Kildare County Council for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare which she has sanctioned and approved and which is included in the capital programme to go to construction in early 2016. [45657/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 to 163, inclusive, together. The school building project referred to by the Deputy is included on the current 5 year construction programme announced in 2012. It is listed on the programme to proceed to tender and construction in 2015/16. The project is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. Stage 2(B) Detailed Design Stage which includes the applications for Planning permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of Tender Documents. My Department officials and the design team have been working with the Local Authority to determine the full requirements for waste water and surface water infrastructure in advance of submitting the planning application. These infrastructural issues also involve engagement with Irish Water and the National Roads Authority. Further discussions will be required with each agency to address outstanding issues and to determine the most effective solutions possible. In the context of those ongoing discussions, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time on the cost elements of the required infrastructure.