Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1579: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in proceeding with the proposed extension or refurbishment to schools (details supplied) in County Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to the need for school places in Lucan and the lengthy waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1830/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that a technical inspection was carried out on the schools to which she refers in May 2008 with a view to informing the final brief for these projects, to determine the capacity of the site for the required works and the configuration which those works might take on the site. The accommodation brief has now been finalised and officials from my Department will be in contact with the school authorities in that regard shortly.

My Department is conscious of the extent of housing developments in the Lucan area and the consequences this has for school provision. Substantial additional accommodation has been provided in the area by my Department at both primary and post-primary level in recent years and this is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

The progression of the projects from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.