Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in moving a building project forward at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the issues impeding this work will be rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9832/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding towards a refurbishment project at the school. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy originally applied for an extension and refurbishment to provide improved ancillary accommodation. The project proposed initially did not provide for any additional mainstream classrooms.

In the process of assessment in accordance with the prioritisation criteria put in place following consultation with the education partners, increasing enrolments and the consequent need for additional mainstream accommodation became clear. A detailed assessment of demographic trends, housing developments and enrolment trends was initiated in order to ensure that any capital funding provided will deliver accommodation appropriate to the school's need into the future. This assessment has recently been completed and a decision will be taken shortly on how best to provide for the school's long-term accommodation needs. The application will then be considered for progression in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

The school has recently applied for a mainstream classroom to cater for an additional teaching post to be appointed from September 2006. This application is under consideration at present and the school authority will shortly be advised of the outcome.