John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 403: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an application for further classrooms in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Carlow will be considered in the context of the approved extra class rooms now being provided in view of the fact that the proposal offers his Department greater value for money and solves further problems at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30266/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has received an application for major capital funding for the provision of a new building 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.

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 approved grant aid to the school to purchase or build 2 x 80 square metre mainstream classrooms in order to meet immediate accommodation needs. My Department was advised that the school authority would be seeking tenders for this work and has no record of receiving any further communication from the school authority on this matter. Any further application for additional classrooms will be considered in the context of the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects outlined above and the needs presenting at the school.