Written answers

Tuesday, 26 April 2005

Department of Education and Science

School Accommodation

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to be in a position to meet in full the accommodation and other requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects to finalise matters in this regard in the current year with particular reference to the current and anticipated needs of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13032/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The application for capital funding from the school in question is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. Under this review, all projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria which were revised last year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.

In addition, in 2004 a new school planning model involving published draft area development plans was piloted in five areas. The pilot scheme includes the area around the N4 and M4 from Leixlip to Kilbeggan. The purpose of this new approach to school planning is to ensure that, in future, the provision of school infrastructure will be decided only after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, parents, trustees, sponsors of prospective new schools and all interested parties in the locality will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the process.

The Commission on School Accommodation recently completed the public consultation process on the draft area development plan for the N4 and M4 area and it will bring forward its report as soon as possible. Applications for capital funding from schools in this area will continue to be processed under the review mentioned above. When the commission's report becomes available, the appropriate adjustments will be made where necessary.

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