John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the commitment he will provide to the board of management, teachers and pupils of a school (details supplied) in County Carlow regarding the provision of new accommodation; if he will visit this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26657/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department has received an application for major capital funding for the provision of a new school to cater for the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and has been assigned a band 2.2 rating under the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects.

Due to my diary commitments, it is not possible at this point in time for me to arrange a visit to the school. However, as the Deputy may be aware, I met a delegation from the school in January and they made me aware of the issues arising in the school.

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 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.

In the meantime, my Department provides funding under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) and under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to enable individual school authorities to carry out small scale capital works. The school in question received funding under the 2007 SWS to allow it to upgrade its toilet facilities. No further applications for funding for minor capital works have been received to date but it is open to the school authority to submit an application which will be considered by my Department.