Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Liz McManus

Question:

220 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the need to expand the national school of Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa, Glendalough, to a five teacher school; his plans in relation to this school; the funds he is allocating in his Estimates for the school; the likely timeframe for the extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19165/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department has an extensive primary school building programme under way and this includes a large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning, details of which are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

Decisions on additional projects proceeding to architectural planning are taken in the light of the annual allocation for capital projects, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects. The programme for 2002 is in place and the schools con cerned have been notified. Later this year when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates, I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works and this will involve putting more projects into architectural planning. The needs of the school in question will be considered at that time.

In the meantime, the school's board of management should ensure that essential health and safety issues at the school are attended to. It should therefore continue to use the devolved grant for minor works and if the cost of any works of an emergency nature exceeds the amount available under the devolved grant, it may apply to my Department's building unit for grant aid.

Michael Noonan

Question:

221 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction funds for the provision of a new school to replace the existing structure at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19166/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The most up to date position on all building projects is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. When the situation changes the website will be updated.

Later this year when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates, I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works and this will involve putting more projects into architectural planning. The needs of the school in question will be considered at that time.