197 Ms. M. Fox asked the Minister for Education the current status of an application by St. Cronin's boys' school, Bray, County Wicklow, for funding to build a new school; if the school's current status prevents it from applying for any other form of grants to temporarily improve the school's condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12570/97]

Architectural planning for construction of a new 16 classroom school for St. Cronin's boys national school, Bray, County Wicklow is at an advanced stage. Tender documentation is expected to be ready in June 1997. A decision on the timing of the tender process will be made in light of capital funds available. At this stage, I am not in a position to give a firm timescale for the works.

The school's current status does not preclude it from making application to my Department for grant aid if circumstances necessitate it.