Dáil Éireann - Volume 529 - 06 February, 2001

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

239. Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will appoint an outside design team for the extension plans of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if the building unit has enough staff to deal with their workload; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/01]

[1487]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): My Department will shortly be nominating a design team to commence architectural planning for a project at the school in question. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.

There are currently 105.5 serving staff and 14 vacancies in the administrative, professional and technical grades in the planning and building unit of my Department, all dealing with planning and building projects at primary level, second level and third level.

240. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the appalling conditions being experienced by both students and staff at national schools in Cappoquin, County Waterford, pending the provision of a new amalgamated school; when his Department first received such an application; and if he has made financial provision for this project to go to tender in 2001. [2978/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): My Department has agreed to provide a new school on a greenfield site which will accommodate Cappoquin girls' and boys' amalgamated schools. The planning and building unit of my Department is currently examining the initial architectural designs for this project and the school authorities will be kept informed of developments. It is too early at this point to say when the project will proceed to construction.