Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will give consideration to an application by the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Galway to build a permanent modular school building to the same specifications as would the plans for prefabricated buildings; if her attention has been drawn to the dilapidated and dangerous condition of the existing school, the fact that the manufacturer of the prefabricated buildings could and would supply modular school buildings to the same specifications as the prefabs at little extra cost, and that such buildings would be better value for money to her Department and space wise to the teachers and pupils; if she will give further consideration to providing a devolved grant to the school; the amount of the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16905/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. The long term projected staffing assessment and the further progression of the proposed building project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

In the interim, officials in my Department are in contact with the school management regarding the provision of temporary accommodation and additional information is expected from the management shortly. When this documentation is received the school authority will be notified of the position without delay.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to deal with the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16915/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage (Stage 2b — Detailed Design and Bill of Quantities) of the architectural planning process.

As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Naas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.

In this context, the status of all schools in Naas is being assessed. The school referred to by the Deputy will be included in this assessment.

As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the envisaged timescale for the provision of a new school at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the recent appointment by her Department of a design team to this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16916/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to ensure that building projects such as the one in question will be commenced and delivered within the earliest possible timeframes.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been achieved to date in respect of the provision of the new post primary school for Kildare town, which is to be delivered under the public private partnership process; when an announcement will be made in respect of the bundle of schools which includes Kildare; the timescale envisaged for the delivery of this vital school project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16917/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Kildare Town Community School is one of six schools that make up the Second Bundle of the Department's current Public Private Partnership Programme. This bundle consists of Bantry Community College, Abbeyfeale Community College, Athboy Community School, Wicklow Town Community College, Gaelscoil Bheanntrai and the school in question.

Pre-procurement work consisting of the preparation of Output Specifications, Public Services Benchmark (PSB) has been completed and Outline Planning Permission has been obtained for all six schools.

It is envisaged that this second bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) shortly to commence the procurement process. The estimated timescale for the delivery of this Bundle is mid 2011.