Paul McGrath
Question:474 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of capital building projects approved to construction stage in primary and second level schools in 2001; and the cost of these projects. [28760/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Approximately 170 major capital pro jects in primary and post-primary schools were approved in 2001. This does not include minor projects, the asbestos and radon remediation programmes or site acquisitions. The allocation for primary buildings in 2001 is £92.6 million, 117.56 million, and for post-primary buildings, £129.125 million, 163.95 million.
Paul McGrath
Question:475 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and second level school building projects awaiting approval to go to tender stage within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the delays in approving such projects. [28761/01]
My Department has more than 800 major school building projects in architectural planning. Approximately one quarter of these projects are at an advanced stage of the planning process and should be ready to go to tender in 2002 and subsequent years. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by this Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million, 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects, and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting the needs of the present day.
Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of individual projects will be taken as in previous years in light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes when all budget decisions have been taken by the Government.