Vol. 532 No. 3
156 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new applications for new schools, extensions to existing schools at primary and second level, by category, received by his Department in 2000; the number of approvals for such works sanctioned to proceed to the next stage; the average time from first application to approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7287/01]
The building unit of my Department is processing over 850 major primary and second level school projects. This unprecedented number of projects in planning has been possible as a direct result of the Government's actions in substantially increasing the level of funding for school accommodation over the past few years. Last year, over £200 million was allocated for school accommodation projects. The corresponding figure for this year is in excess of £220 million. Under the national development plan, an unprecedented £824 million has been allocated for school infrastructure.
Every effort is made to ensure that all capital projects are processed as quickly as possible. However, the Deputy will appreciate that there are inherent delays within this process; for example, the identification and acquisition of a suitable site tends to be a protracted process. The process of advertising and appointing a design team pursuant to EU procurement procedures takes a minimum of three to four months. The obligation on design teams to comply with building regulations, health and safety regulations and other statutory requirements demands careful attention to detail, thus taking time. The procurement of full planning permission and a fire officer's certificate takes a minimum of three to five months. The need to achieve a good competitive tender result requires vigilance in the preparation of tender documents. Finally, current capacity issues within the construction industry are an impediment to expeditious delivery of capital projects.
157 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been received; the date of this application; if approval in principle has been given for these works; if not, when it is likely to be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7288/01]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 21 November 2000. Examination of the application is almost complete and a decision will be made shortly on the accommodation requirements of the school. The decision will be communicated to the management authorities at the earliest possible date.
Pending a decision on the school's requirement for additional permanent accommodation, it is open to the board of management to apply for temporary accommodation under my Department's rental scheme. Under that scheme, 95% of the cost of renting interim accommodation is refundable to schools. The board of management has been advised accordingly in a recent letter from the planning section of my Department.
158 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an extension will be provided for Nano Nagle special school, Listowel, County Kerry, including special facilities for autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7289/01]
My Department has received an application for improved accommodation from the management authorities at Nano Nagle special school, Listowel, County Kerry. An initial technical assessment of the school in question will take place shortly. On receipt of this assessment, my Department will consider the most efficient and cost-effective way of dealing with this project and the school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
