Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school building projects (details supplied) in County Laois; when this is expected to go to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22180/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The design team is currently working on the preparation of the Stage 2(a) submission.

When Stage 2(a) is approved, the project will then progress to stage 2(b) which includes applications for planning permission, Fire Safety Certification, Disability Access Certification and the preparation of tender documents.

Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the five year construction programme.

Schools which have not been included in the five year construction programme but which were previously initiated will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in future years. The project referred to by the Deputy will remain available to be considered for progression in that context when it has reached the completion of the design stages.