Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal in relation to refurbishment and an extension which is currently at architectural planning level to progress to advanced architectural planning which was promised in the Schools Building Programme 2004; the timeframe for this project to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4673/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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This proposed large-scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on the Department's website at www.education.ie. This proposed project is at stage 3 — detailed plans-costs — of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by the Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects.

The proposed project will be authorised to progress to advanced architectural planning during 2004. Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position on the acquisition of a site for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4674/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The property management section of the OPW is acting on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally. It is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the school in question. However, due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment in relation to a specific site. The relevant information will be placed on my Department's website when acquisitions have been completed.