Written answers

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Department of Education and Science

Schools Building Projects

8:00 pm

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 431: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the proposed relocation of primary schools at Portlaoise with particular reference to the proposed new development at Summerhill, Portlaoise, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, it is proposed provide two new schools on a greenfield site to facilitate the amalgamation of Scoil Náisúnta an Chroí Naofa, St Paul's Primary School and Scoil Náisúnta Mhuire, in Portlaoise. The new facilities will be configured as a junior and a senior school and they will cater for some 1,600 pupils. The Patron proposes acquiring a site at Summerhill, Portlaoise, for these new permanent schools.

My Department has been working with the Patron to progress these proposals. Currently, my Department is reviewing a recent reply from the Patron which addresses a number of issues relating to the suitability of this site. My Department expect to revert to the Patron shortly in this regard.

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 432: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will move into a new site in Loughlinstown, County Dublin as promised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18576/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department procured the property to which the Deputy refers initially to act as a temporary home for a special school pending the delivery of a building project for that school and then to accommodate on a permanent basis the school to which the Deputy refers.

The building project for the special school is currently in the early stages of architectural planning. Earlier this year I announced details of 25 projects to commence architectural planning in 2009.

The project for the special was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009.

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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In the circumstances, it is not possible, at this point, to say when the school to which the Deputy refers can move into the building.

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