Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 503: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress in relation to the extension for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the cost of the extension; when he envisages this project will be completed; the time this project has taken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25834/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new school project. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band rating of 1.1.

Following a site examination it was established that additional land is required to extend the existing Gaelscoil site to facilitate the proposed building project of a 16 classroom school. My Department is liaising with the neighbouring Community School with regard to a proposed land transfer to achieve an extended Gaelscoil site.

When the issue of the site has been resolved, the progression of this project, as with all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to advance to completion the provision of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25835/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement on 12 February of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction during 2009. Representatives from the board of management and the design team of the school attended a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore on 26 March at which they were apprised of the next steps necessary to progress the project to tender and construction.

A Stage 2(a) submission was approved by my Department in March 2009. The Design Team are currently working on a Stage 2(b) submission which, when completed, they will then submit to my Department. To assist the work on Stage 2(b) my Department has recently approved the appointment of a consultant planner to assist the design team in responding to issues raised by the local authority.

The school will then apply for planning permission, following which a Stage 2(b) report, including detailed design, bill of quantities, planning permission, pre-tender cost check and final tender documents will be submitted to my Department for approval. Following receipt and approval of the Stage 2(b) submission my Department will revert to the school regarding next steps in the progression of the project towards tender and construction.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to advance to completion the provision of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25836/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Officials in my Department have been in touch with the Patron and the school authorities recently. I can confirm that detailed designs for the school to which the Deputy refers are finalised. Officials of my Department and the school authorities have had a pre-planning meeting with Cork County Council Planning Department. My Department expects to be ready to lodge planning permission in July. Further progression of this project to tender and construction is dependent on the Patron confirming title to the two plots of land which he is currently in the process of acquiring for the school project.