All applications submitted to my Department for major capital funding are assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation for large scale building projects. As part of this assessment, projects are identified as being suitable for delivery by a devolved route.
In 2004 projects were considered under two separate devolved headings, the small schools initiative and the permanent initiative. Under these headings a total of 81 schools accepted the devolved system and 11 declined. In 2005 the headings for the devolved schemes included the small schools initiative, the permanent initiative and the relocation of prefabs. Under these headings 173 schools accepted the devolved system and 12 declined. The allocation for 2004 was €20.7 million. The allocation for 2005 is in excess of €44 million. Schools declining funding by way of the devolved initiatives follow the traditional delivery method. Progress on these projects is considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme.