Vol. 547 No. 3
397 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will approve the architectural proposal for a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Cork as submitted; and if he will give immediate approval to proceed to planning stage. [3464/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. Because of the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the 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. A building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
398 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the date for the meeting to be held between his Department and the board of management of Boyle community school regarding the redevelopment of St. Mary's Sports Centre, Boyle, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3465/02]
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post-primary buildings area since the 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. St. Mary's sports centre is owned by the parish of Boyle and although a school is among its users it does not form part of a school premises. Therefore, it is not open to my Department to invest funding allocated specifically for investment in school buildings in this facility in the usual way. In view of the school use of the premises County Roscommon VEC has been asked to explore this matter further, with a view to establishing whether it is possible to agree arrangements with the owners of the hall that would facilitate my Department in making an investment in the hall. A meeting will be arranged once a response is received from the VEC.
399 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for the construction of Elphin Community School, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3466/02]
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.309 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post-primary buildings area since the 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. Stage 1 – site suitability, briefing and site report – of architectural planning for the proposed extension to Elphin vocational school was recently submitted to my Department. It is currently being examined by staff in the building unit and a response will issue to County Roscommon VEC shortly.
400 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for funding by Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3468/02]
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post-primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity. The school authority at Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, has been advised to appoint a design team with a view to commencing architectural planning for the proposed extension to the school.
