Paul Bradford
Question:177 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position concerning requested improvements at Ballynoe national school, Mallow, County Cork; and when the project will commence. [30391/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Architectural planning for an extension to Ballynoe national school, Mallow, County Cork, is under way. 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. 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, including Ballynoe national school, will be taken as in previous years in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes and when all budget decisions have been taken by the Government.