Gerry Reynolds
Question:687 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if capital funding will be made available in 2002 to the High Park national school, Carrowgilhooly, Dromard, County Sligo. [8354/02]
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 the accommodation situation 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-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
John Bruton
Question:688 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is proposed that the extension to Moynalvey national school will commence; the stage the extension submission is at; when the works will be commenced in view of the health and safety report regarding the electrical hazards in the old part of the school, and the provision of the remedial classrooms as students have been sanctioned for remedial and special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8368/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation 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.
A proposed building project for Moynalvey national school will proceed to architectural planning, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:689 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for funding has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if so, the stage the application is at; when the school can expect to get clearance to start the essential and urgent work that needs to be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8369/02]
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.
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.
A proposed new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is 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, and subject to the proposed site being made available by the school authorities.
Nora Owen
Question:690 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make arrangements to acquire a site in Swords which has been set aside for schools in order that a portion of this site may be made available to a gaelscoil which has been operating in Swords for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/02]
The gaelscoil referred to by the Deputy received provisional recognition in September 1999. An application for permanent recognition was lodged with the planning section of my Department in September 2000. At that time, consideration of the application was deferred until such time as the school patron satisfied one of the Department's criteria for permanent recognition, that is, that interim accommodation complied with the relevant planning and health and safety provisions.
The school relocated to new premises in November 2001. An inspector's report on the new accommodation has been received and is being examined in the planning section. The assessment of the school's application is nearing completion and the school authorities will be advised of the outcome shortly.
The position regarding permanent accommodation will be considered by my Department in the event that permanent recognition is granted and in light of available capital resources. Because of the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the 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.