James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that he will, at some date in the future, provide a new school at Hedgestown, Lusk, County Dublin; if he will confirm same in writing to the board of management and Fingal County Council in order that the board of management can proceed with the purchase of the two acre school site from Fingal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12635/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school's application for Major Capital Grant Aid has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria, and has been assigned a Band rating of 2.1. The Department approved funding for the purchase of an 80 sq m classroom for the school on its existing site in 2007. Emergency funding was granted to the school in December 2008 for ceiling repairs.

The Department is aware of the accommodation needs of this school and, on foot of a technical inspection some time ago, is satisfied that the proposed 2 acre site is suitable for a new school building. 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 multi-annual 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. In that context, it is a matter for the school authority as to whether or not they acquire the 2 acre site from Fingal County Council at this time.