John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the stage it is now at; the timeframe to complete all stages up to construction; the funding granted to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31476/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Major Building Project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of Architectural Planning. The Design Team are currently working on finalising the Stage 2a submission (Developed Sketch Design) which is expected to be submitted to my Department shortly. When this submission is received, it will be reviewed by my Department and my officials will then be in contact with the Board of Management of the school with regard to the further progression of the project.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if all planning issues relative to the project have now been resolved; if funding for the project will be approved; the timeframe for completion of all aspects of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31477/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that a major building project is being advanced for the school in question. The accommodation brief for the project is currently being finalised and the next step, following completion of this process, involves the appointment of a Design Team. There are certain constraints relating to the site in terms of a protected structure and associated conservation issues. Any substantial issues relating to these constraints will be addressed at the design and planning stages as the project proceeds through the architectural planning process. 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 Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the completion of all aspects of the project at this time. The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year. In the meantime, my Department has approved funding for emergency works to the existing protected structure. These works commenced during summer 2011.