Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Michael Bell

Question:

412 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for funding for the upgrading and extension of buildings and facilities at St. Fursey's national school, Haggardstown, Dundalk, County Louth; if he will give sanction to the application; if so, the subjects covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4237/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the 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.

A proposed building project for St. Fursey's national school will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

413 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve a two-room extension, including a science room and a technology room, at Castleisland community school, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4238/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department has received an application for additional facilities from Castleisland community college. The college is one of three post primary education providers in the Castleisland catchment area. Similar applications have also been received from the other two post-primary schools in the area.

As a result of these applications, and in view of the projected long-term decline in enrolments in all the schools concerned, my Department decided to examine the scope for rationalising post-primary education provision in the centre and has been in correspondence with the three school authorities in this regard.

The issue of rationalisation is under consideration at present and decisions on the applications for capital grant aid, from all three schools, will be taken in this context.

My officials will be in further contact with all the school authorities concerned before any final decisions are taken.