Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

430 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building project first mooted in 1994 for Bridgetown Vocational College, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4302/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

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 and staff in my Department are currently examining a submission on stage IV of its architectural planning. When this examination is complete, progression to stage V, bill of quantities, will be authorised as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.