Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 586: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when funds will be provided for the proposed school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the continuing deterioration in the functionality of the school; the amount of funding which will be provided; the timeframe he envisages for the delivery of the project. [36779/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently 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 is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual school building and modernisation programme for 2010 and subsequent years. 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 delivery of the project at this time.

Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 587: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if consideration has been given to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Wexford to provide permanent accommodation for an Asperger's unit, physical education hall, additional classrooms and offices; when he expects a decision to be made on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36788/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project including the provision of a special needs unit. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 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.

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. In the interim, the school applied to my Department for temporary accommodation and I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that approval for the provision of extra accommodation by way of an all-in-grant to build 2 mainstream classrooms was given to the school last August.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 588: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for major capital works at a school (details supplied) in County Meath. [36789/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The above school in County Meath referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 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.

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 this project at this time.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 590: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a new school by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36811/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1.2 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.

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 site acquisition and 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. In the meantime, the school was recently approved for funding for the provision of additional accommodation for three mainstream classrooms.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 591: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the schools building programme for a school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36812/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The school to which the Deputy refers was one of the projects announced in January 2009 to go to tender and construction. The Stage 2b for the proposed new school is expected from the design team shortly. Following the receipt and clearance of the Stage 2b submission the project will be progressed to the next stage i.e. invitation to tender.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 592: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the schools buildings programme for a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36813/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The tender report for the proposed extension/refurbishment project at the school in question was received in my Department earlier this month. It is currently being assessed by the professional and technical staff of the building unit. Once the tender report has been assessed and provided there are no issues arising therefrom, the school will be authorised to proceed to the construction stage.