Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the stages that have to be concluded prior to commencement of construction in the event of planning permission being granted for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the best case scenario time frame for the construction and opening of the school; the provision she will make for children who fail to gain a place at the school for September 2007; the number of pupils in the school at present; the number of classrooms available for September 2007; the intake expected in September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4962/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of the Department generally on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has identified a suitable site for the school in question. Agreement on the site acquisition has been reached subject to contract. While draft contracts have been exchanged, I am advised that the conveyancing process continues to be delayed pending the outcome of a planning application by the vendor.

In November, 2006 I announced that this project was to commence architectural design so that preliminary progress can be made on the delivery of the new building. Subject to securing the site, the School Building Section is examining options, including the use of generic design, to speed up delivery of this project. When the best method of delivery is determined it will be possible to describe the stages that have to be concluded and to give an indicative time frame for delivery.

With regard to current enrolments and enrolments for September, 2007 the School Planning Section of the Department is in contact with the school to establish the position. It will work with the school authority to ensure that all eligible pupils seeking places can be facilitated.