Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 210: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to address the accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21681/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school's application for Major Capital Grant Aid has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band rating of 2.1. A stage 1-2 submission 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.

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.