Michael Creed
Question:287 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding an extension to a national school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [6917/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
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. In view of 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.
The school referred to by the Deputy is being extended-refurbished as 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 expanding building programme.
John Bruton
Question:288 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the need for remedial works to be undertaken at Clonard national school, County Meath; if approval has been granted to deal with this situation; if so, when the grant will be payable and to whom; the procedures which must be gone through before the grant is paid; when he expects works to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6918/02]
John Bruton
Question:289 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether additional prefabricated classrooms are necessary for Clonard national school, County Meath, due to the increasing pupil numbers at the school; and if so, when these will be provided. [6919/02]
John Bruton
Question:290 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the dealings which his Department has had with the board of management of Clonard national school, County Meath, since 1997; the steps taken since then to provide for a new school; the stage the provision of a new school is at in the process leading towards commencement of building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6920/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 290, inclusive, together.
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.
In view of the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Govern ment 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 Clonard national school will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
Notwithstanding the progress on the major building project, my Department has advised the board of management that it is prepared to approve interim measures to address urgent health and safety issues at the school. My Department will also be in contact with the board of management shortly regarding their recent application for additional temporary accommodation at the school.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:291 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education and Science if approval will be given for a new secondary school at St. Clement's secondary school, County Limerick. [6921/02]
The allocation for post primary buildings in 2002 is €182.3 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
In view of 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 architectural planning of the project referred to by the Deputy at St. Clement's College, County Limerick, is currently under way. My Department has received a stage 3 submission – developed sketch scheme. The building unit of my Department will contact the school managerial authority soon regarding this submission.