County Tipperary South Riding Vocational Educational Committee – the management authority of St. Ailbe's vocational school – applied to the Department of Education and Science for both additional accommodation and refurbishment of the existing accommodation at the school. In advance of making any major capital investment at the school, and consistent with standard practice within the Department of Education and Science, the long-term viability of the school must be assessed. This assessment is undertaken by the planning unit within the Department.