Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when he will make available a capital allocation for the redevelopment of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time the construction period will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5755/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The School to which the Deputy refers applied for a large scale extension project. The long term accommodation needs of the school have been determined as an 8 classroom school. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views, in view of his recent visit to the area, on whether the conditions at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 are suitable for children; if he will ensure the building of a proper school for these children will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5766/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, it is my Department's intention to provide the school in question with a new building. In this regard, agreement has been reached to provide the new building on a V.E.C. owned site. As the Deputy will also be aware, last week, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement for the commencement of architectural planning. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in building a permanent school for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if he will replace the four worst prefabs in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5767/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally had been requested to source a greenfield site for the school to which the Deputy refers. On foot of advertising, no proposals were received for a greenfield site in the area concerned. The OPW was then requested by my Department to look into the possibility of building a permanent school on the existing temporary site which is in the ownership of the local authority but leased to a sporting organisation. To pursue this proposal, meetings have taken place between my Department and the relevant local authority on the potential availability of the site and, last year, my Department wrote to the local authority with a proposal suggesting that a lease arrangement be put in place.

In January this year, officials from my Department again met with the local authority and representatives of the sporting organisation involved to further the Department's request. My Department has confirmed its intention, as sought by the local authority, to enter into negotiations in relation to the terms of a lease for the lands needed. With regard to the replacement of temporary accommodation as an interim measure, at the end of last year, the school authority was advised to complete the appropriate application form in this regard. Consideration will be given to this matter when the application is received.