Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school building projects at various stages of planning with his Department and not included in his recent five year building plan announcement; if these schools will be allowed to continue with architectural planning and, if so, the extent to which they may proceed;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17664/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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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 primarily focused on meeting those demographic needs. However, in that context, it will not be possible to advance all projects currently in architectural planning to construction within the timeframe of the five year programme.

School building projects currently in architectural planning, including those projects not included in the five year programme, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. These projects will, in general, complete the design stages of architectural planning and secure planning permission and other necessary statutory approvals. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when those projects will be progressed to tender and construction stage.