Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action which has taken place over the past 12 to 18 months regarding the substantial extension proposed for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will clarify the way such a project could be delayed for so long over what appears to be minor technical issues; if he will assign an official to take responsibility for progressing this file; if he will make arrangements for an official to meet with a delegation from the community to discuss the impasse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20895/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers to is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school's application for Major Capital Grant Aid has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed by the education partners, and has been assigned a Band rating of 2.1.

My Department received a Stage 1/2 submission (Site Suitability, Site Report and Initial Sketch Scheme) last year. Upon review there were a number of issues raised regarding the submission by my Department's Planning and Building Unit. A stage 1/2 Addendum was requested from the School's Design Team and this addendum is currently with my Department for review.

As the Deputy will be aware, in February, 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. Therefore the project is unlikely to progress further this year. As this situation is unlikely to change, the Department is of the view that a meeting would not be productive at this time. Once the current stage is cleared, my Department will be in direct contact with the school authorities regarding the status of the project.

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 further progression of the project at this time.