Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 418: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when she will approve an extension to the school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30678/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding for a new school building. 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, is 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.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 419: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of an extension at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30681/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. The stage 2b submission is currently under review by officials in my Department. On completion of this review, my Department will be in contact with the Design Team regarding the further progression of this project.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 420: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned extension and refurbishment work at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30684/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a large scale extension project. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 1 rating. As the Deputy will be aware, this project was announced to enter Architectural Planning in February 2009. In November 2009, the Department met the school authority regarding progression of the project. The Department is awaiting additional information from the school arising from the meeting. When received, this information can then be considered in the context of proceeding to appoint a design team for the project.