Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has changed its options in regard to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if so, the new plan for the school; the timescale for such a plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6180/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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This school's building project went to tender in late 2004. Unfortunately, the tender outcome was significantly in excess of the budget for this project. Officials from my Department's building unit met with the school authority and its design team on 21 February 2005 and advised them that the project can proceed as early as possible in 2005 provided reductions are achieved that bring my Department's level of investment down to an appropriate level for a school of this size.

The school authority is due to revert to my Department when they have considered the matter further.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a board of management and a parents' association (details supplied) for a new school; if she plans to meet with the board of management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6181/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department proposes to build a new 16 classroom primary school in Castledermot. The property management section of the OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department regarding site acquisitions generally, is exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for this development. Progress on the project will be considered in the context of the school building programme when the site has been acquired. In the circumstances it is not my intention to meet the board of management at this time. However, officials in the school planning and building unit of my Department will keep the board of management informed of developments.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new school building (details supplied); if she has agreed to meet with a deputation from the town council and RAPID officials in relation to the school; the timescale for progress at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6183/05]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new school building (details supplied); if she has agreed to meet with a deputation from the town council and RAPID officials with regard to the school; if she will give a timescale for the school's progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6235/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 237 together.

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects which will progress to tender and construction phase over the next 12 to 15 months under the €3.4 billion multiannual funding secured for the years 2005-09. I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future regarding the schools building and modernisation programme, including details of those school projects which will further progress through the design process. All projects in architectural planning, including the school in question, will be considered as part of this process. I have advised the organisations mentioned to contact the Kildare-Wicklow regional office and officials there will make arrangements to meet with them to discuss the project in question.