Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

John Perry

Question:

192 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding has not been granted to High Park national school, Dromard, County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school has five full-time teachers working from three classrooms and a portacabin, which takes up most of the childrens' hard-court play area; if he will sanction funding; if this school is under the primary schools building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7381/02]

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.

Because 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.

High Park national school is being extended and 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 expanded building programme.

Questions Nos. 193 and 194 answered with Question No. 176.