Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Alan Shatter

Question:

220 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will agree to a meeting being arranged between members of the planning and building section of his Department and representatives of the two boards of management of St. Colmcille's primary school, Knocklyon to discuss the feasibility study on the development potential of facilities at Colmcille's junior and senior primary schools; if the schools will be given the sanctions required to provide for permanent classrooms to replace the dilapidated prefabricated classrooms; and the reason for his Department's delay in addressing the needs of the pupils attending the schools and the teachers working there. [5110/02]

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 the accommodation situation 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 feasibility report on the accommodation needs of St. Colmcille's junior and senior primary schools is being examined. When this examination is complete my Department's building unit will be in contact with the authorities of both schools.

John Perry

Question:

221 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will prioritise the building project for Dromore-West national school, County Sligo; the progress and meetings which have taken place; the amount of moneys allocated; when the work will commence; the reason for the delay with the rental payment for church property; when it will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5166/02]

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 the accommodation situation 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.

Dromore-West national school, County Sligo, is being refurbished as part of the Government's programme as 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.

The planning and building unit of my Department is currently examining an application by the school for the retrospective payment of rent in respect of the property which is currently being used as temporary accommodation. A decision in this matter will issue to the board of management as soon as possible.