Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 486: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the progress towards the building project at a college (details supplied) in County Monaghan; his views on the fact that this is dangerous for both pupils and personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28274/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers, is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 1 submission (Site Suitability, Site Report, Initial Sketch Scheme) is currently being reviewed by my Department.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage to construction phase will continue to 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 progression of this project at this time.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the progress towards a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28275/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 2A submission(developed sketch scheme) was approved by my Department in March 2009.

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 Deputy will understand that it is not possible to advance all projects at the same time. It was not possible to include the project for this school in the February announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed further in 2009.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage to construction phase will continue to 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 this project at this time.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position relating to the provision of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28284/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school building.

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 progression of the project at this time.

The school authority has been advised to apply to my Department for funding to repair the existing school building if the Board of management deems this necessary.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for a new school building (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28285/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers.

I recently met with a deputation from the school to discuss its accommodation needs and I am aware that the Patron has donated a site for the provision of a new school building. The deputation was advised that the Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently identifying the areas throughout the country where significant additional accommodation will be needed at primary and post primary level in the medium to long term. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolment, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places.

The accommodation needs of the school in question will be considered both in this context and that of the competing demands on my Department's capital budget.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if it is necessary for the land to be designated before it can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28286/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future school years.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area. Post-primary accommodation requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.

The N4/M4 Area Development Plan indicates that a post primary school will not be required in the area referred to by the Deputy until post 2011 and my Department has requested the local authority to reserve a site for this development.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 491: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school for an area (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28291/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I announced in September 2008 that the project for the school in question was to proceed to re-tender and construction.

My Department's Building Unit is currently awaiting a Stage 2B (Detailed Design) submission, to comply with the new form of Government Construction Contract. Once it is received and examined, my officials will be in contact with the school authorities regarding further progress.