Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school in respect of a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent reading of lead contamination in the water is 409 and that it should read 25 and that the local authority has stated that it is not responsible for the pipes from the meter from the school; the steps he will take to address this situation; his views on whether a new building is the best solution for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23161/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. 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 further progression of the project at this time.

Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues relating to schools. My Department has recently been contacted by the school regarding the water supply. The school authority has been advised that it may apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent works, primarily of a health and safety nature, to schools that require them.