Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will order that a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be given priority for rebuilding; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school has waited several years for a new school building; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that recently a burst pipe in the attic flooded one of the classrooms and as a result, children in one class can no longer attend school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42475/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A major capital project at the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early 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 my 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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

With regard to the issue of flooding in one of the classrooms, an official from my Department has been in contact with the principal who confirmed that one classroom was damaged resulting in the children normally occupying this classroom being asked to remain off school for one day. The children returned to school the next day and are currently being accommodated elsewhere in the school. He confirmed that the damaged classroom would be available for use again in a matter of days. The principal was also advised that if works were necessary arising from this incident he should apply to my Department for emergency works funding.