Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Question:

416 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the roof in the new extension to Colaiste Mhuire, Ballymote, County Sligo, is defective and has developed a series of leaks; the progress which has been made on the survey of the roof which was requested by his Department as the roof was found to be defective in design and construction; when this matter will be addressed; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5352/02]

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 the Government come 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 report carried out on the roof of the new extension to Colaiste Mhuire is currently being examined by the Department's technical staff. The question of remedial action being taken will be considered as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.