Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I tabled this matter because of the health and safety risk posed by the poor state of the existing building at Newpark comprehensive school and the fact that the Department of Education and Science confirmed as long ago as 2000 that the most economically efficient way to improve the dilapidated condition of the school was to reconstruct the main building. The school has 800 pupils and its intake is broadly based, which contrasts with other schools. It is vital to the area that the conditions in which pupils are educated be improved. The school also has a major adult education centre and it is, therefore, a vital resource for the entire community.

The current building has deteriorated and this is acknowledged by the Department. It was constructed in the 1970s with an expected lifespan of 20 years. There has been engagement with the Department on the design of a new building. The proposed design was presented to the Department in 2007. Amendments were made and these were resolved by the middle of 2008. The school needs the Minister's authorisation to proceed to planning, given the design has been finalised by the Department. The original assessment of its building unit was that the building needed to be replaced and there is no dispute about this. The Department has accepted for some time that the ball is in its court on this matter. The school, teachers and parents' association are anxious to secure clearance from the Department to apply for planning permission. I tabled this matter some time ago but approval for it to be taken was only granted today. I look forward to the Minister of State's reply.