Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) was left out of the school building programme announced last Monday; the options available to the school to improve the accommodation now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15601/12]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the progression of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal was not included on the five year school building programme in view of the fact that the project was at an advanced stage. [15726/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 193 together.

In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced recently is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.

School building projects currently in or commencing architectural planning, including the project at the school to which the Deputies refer, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. The Department is in the process of acquiring the site for the school. Acquisition of the site is dependent on a grant of planning permission, an application for which has been submitted to the local authority. The Department is currently preparing a response to a Request for Further Information (RFI) from the local authority and has also, concurrently, commenced the tender process for the appointment of a design team.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to progress the project to tender and construction.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a building grant application will be approved and financed in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15603/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the Department for a major school project involving school refurbishment and ancillary accommodation. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

In view of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of additional school accommodation, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. It is not possible therefore to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that this school was recently invited to participate in the Department's Prefab Replacement Programme which is an initiative to replace rented prefabs with permanent accommodation. A response from the school is awaited.