Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 163: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33196/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy contacted my Department in December 2010 regarding a proposed extension. Following communications between my officials and the school, an application for major capital works was furnished to my Department in July 2011. This application is being assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large-scale building projects. The outcome of this assessment will be conveyed to the school authority in due course. If appropriate, a band rating will be assigned to the proposed project and details will be published on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

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 currently possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project. The Deputy will be aware that the most recent projections are forecasting a substantial increase in enrolments at both primary and post primary level in the coming years. The delivery of new schools, together with extension projects to meet the increase in demand, will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 164: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a submission to the building unit capital appraisal section from a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will be successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33203/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that a new 12 classroom school is currently under construction to facilitate the amalgamation of the boys' and girls' schools in the area to which he refers. The school authority had confirmed to my Department that the scale of the project would meet its needs for the foreseeable future. However, the school has now submitted an application for additional accommodation. This application is currently being considered and a response will be conveyed to the school as soon as this process has been completed.