asked the Minister for Finance (a) the cost, in constant money terms, of building a primary school classroom in 1970, 1975 and 1980 and at the latest available date; in the event that such information is not available, if he will give whatever other information is available, in constant money terms, as to the progression of primary school building costs over the years in question; and (b) if similar information is available to that at (a) in regard to the progression of primary school building costs in other counties.
Written Answers. - Primary School Building Costs.
439.
Primary school building costs have been controlled over the period in question by reference to standard planning data and cost limits. The teaching space per classroom was increased in 1971 from 56m² to 70m² and there have been improvements in design and standard of construction, e.g. disposition of toilets, insulation, floor finishes.
The average cost limit per square metre set for the years in question and these translated into 1970 prices as derived from an indices published by the Department of the Environment are as follows:
|
Year |
Cost limit per sq.m. (Average) |
1970 Prices |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
1970 |
59.20 |
59.20 |
|
1975 |
115.11 |
49.62 |
|
1980 |
291.50 |
57.84 |
|
1982 |
369.00 |
53.87 |
Actual tender figures would be affected by variables such as scale or regional factors but the conclusion which may be drawn from the figures given are considered valid, e.g. the lower prices in 1975 and 1982 reflect the market conditions in these years.
The information requested at (b) of the question could not be ascertained in the time available.