Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil T.D. Brendan Smith has raised again in Dáil Éireann through Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Education and Skills the need to progress without further delay the proposed building project for the Holy Family Special School, Cootehill.

Deputy Smith had once again requested the Minister to outline the present position regarding the proposed building project, the present stage of this project, when this project is likely to proceed to the next stage, the likely timescale for construction, if financial provision is made in her Department’s capital budget for this school in 2015 and if she would make a detailed statement on this application.

Minister Jan O’Sullivan in her response to Deputy Smith stated that the project is currently at Stage 2a (Developed Design) of the architectural planning process. She added that upon completion of this stage, the project will be authorised to progress to Stage 2b (Detailed Design) which includes application for planning permission and the preparation of tender documents. “On completion of Stage 2b (Detailed Design), officials from my Department will contact the Board of Management with regard to the potential, at that time, for further progression of the project. 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 5 year construction programme announced in March 2012. School building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, which have been initiated but not included in the current five year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in the future”, stated Minister O’Sullivan.

Deputy Smith told The Anglo-Celt that this is basically the same reply he has been receiving for the last 3 years from this Minister and her predecessor and he added that unfortunately there is no commitment by the Minister to have financial provision made for this project in 2015.

Deputy Smith stated that the Holy Family Special School is an outstanding educational facility with a very committed staff, a very supportive Board of Management and a very active Parents’ Association. He added that in Cavan/Monaghan we are very fortunate to have the Holy Family School to cater for the educational needs of many children from all over both counties.

Uimhir:134

Ceist Pharlaiminte

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíoctha
To the Minister for Education and Science

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the
proposed building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County
Cavan; the present stage of this project; when the project is likely to proceed
to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction, if financial
provision is made in her Department’s capital budget for this school in 2015;
and if she will make a statement on the matter.
– Brendan Smith.

Holy Family Special School, Cootehill, Co Cavan – Roll No. 19439B

* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 26th November, 2014.
Reference Number: 45537/14

Freagra

Minister Jan O’Sullivan

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at Stage 2a (Developed
Design) of the architectural planning process. Upon completion of this stage,
the project will be authorised to progress to Stage 2b (Detailed Design) which
includes application for planning permission and the preparation of tender
documents.

On completion of Stage 2b (Detailed Design), officials from my Department will
contact the Board of Management with regard to the potential, at that time, for
further progression of the project.

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 5 year construction programme announced
in March 2012.

School building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy,
which have been initiated but not included in the current five year
construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages
in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my
Department in the future.