Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1123: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status with regard to the proposed construction of a new school at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33215/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that in view of the current budgetary constraints I am not in a position to provide a definite date for the acquisition of a suitable site for the school referred to by the Deputy. On foot of my Department acquiring a suitable site, the proposed building project for the school will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual school building and modernisation programme.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1124: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the proposed new extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33216/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that an application for large scale capital funding for an extension has been made to my Department by the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. A Schedule of Overall Accommodation has been agreed with the Board of Management to cater for a long term enrolment of 850 pupils.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

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.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 1125: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 if 12 February 2009, the progress in relation to the proposed new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33217/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Final tenders for the second bundle of Primary/Post Primary schools consisting of six schools including the school referred to by the Deputy were received by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) on the 1st July 2009.

The tender evaluation process is nearing completion and it is expected that the preferred bidder will be announced shortly. Subject to the planning process it is envisaged that construction work on all six schools will commence in Spring 2010 and that the schools should be ready for occupation in September 2011.