Cecilia Keaveney
Question:1300 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school extension (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is 182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in post primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The school to which the Deputy refers is to receive additional accommodation as part of the Government's programme. The school authorities recently accepted the schedule of overall accommodation to cater for a long-term projected enrolment of 775 pupils. The building unit of my Department is currently preparing the schedule of residual accommodation, which will be issued to the school authorities shortly. When this schedule has been accepted, architectural planning of the project will commence as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.