Written answers

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Building Projects Status

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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920. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the purchase or development of new school buildings and site for a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [41911/14]

Photo of Michael KittMichael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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961. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the time-frame within which it is anticipated a site will be acquired/purchased for the construction of a 12 teacher school building for a school (details supplied) in Co Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42256/14]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 920 and 961 together.

The project to provide a new building for the school referred to by the Deputies was included in my Department's 5 Year School Building Plan and listed among those to proceed to construction in 2015/2016.

Officials from my Department have been working very closely with officials from Galway County Council to secure a suitable site for the school. I can confirm that a suitable site has been identified and the site acquisition process is at an advanced stage.

However, as I am sure the Deputies will appreciate, there are sensitivities associated with land acquisitions which limits the information which can be provided. At this time I am not in a position to provide further information in relation to the site acquisition.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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921. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which permanent classroom structures and ancillary facilities are currently available and proposed at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the degree to which dialogue continues to take place with the school authorities in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41937/14]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding.

The Five Year Construction Plan that was announced in March 2012 as part of my Department's €2 billion capital investment programme, outlines the major school projects that are scheduled to commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These have been prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs. My Department will also consider applications from individual schools for devolved funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed.

The Deputy may be aware that enrolments at the school in question have declined over the past number of years. In view of the priority to provide essential classroom accommodation in areas of demographic growth, it is not possible at this stage to indicate when a major project at the school might progress.

The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including the school in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

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