Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 588: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to having school building projects (details supplied) in County Donegal move to work commencing stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35677/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The position in respect of the schools, based on the order of the details provided, is as follows:

1. The process of appointing a design team to initiate architectural planning is under way at this school.

2. In view of the substantial amount of additional mainstream and special needs accommodation being planned for the school there are a number of issues surrounding the site that need to be considered further by my Department.

3. The school building project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria put in place following consultation with the Education Partners. The project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.

4. A meeting of the School Board of Management, their design team and Department officials has been arranged for the end of November with a view to progressing the school building project.

5. The process of appointing a design team to initiate architectural planning is under way at this school.

There are 5 stages in the architectural planning process and the timeframe for completing these stages is contingent on various factors including any unexpected issues that may arise, the period of time for the granting of planning permission, and obtaining a fire certificate etc. Progression of projects to tender and construction stage is then considered on completion of the architectural planning process.