Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the building project of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17307/12]

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

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 earlier this month 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 for the school referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available.

The Department is currently in the process of acquiring a new site for this school. This acquisition is subject to the appropriate planning permission being obtained and a planning application has been submitted to the Local Authority. The Local Authority has submitted a request to the Department for further information and a response is being prepared. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible, at this time, to give an indicative timeframe for the progression to tender and construction of the project at this school.