Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

884 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which Scoil Clochar Naofa, Kilcock, County Kildare has received assistance or benefit from expenditure by his Department in the past four years; the extent of discussions between his Department and the school authorities with a view to the setting up of a programme to comply with their request for replacement of facilities, such as permanent structures to replace prefabs, improved play and recreational areas, compliance with health and safety standards and other facilities identified or envisaged in the course of discussions; his plans for a satisfactory response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9285/02]

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.

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 building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

A proposed building project for Scoil Clochar Naofa will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

885 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the extra facilities at Scoil An Linbh Íosa, Prosperous, County Kildare; when it is expected that the required facilities will be commissioned or available for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9286/02]

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.

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 building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

Scoil an Linbh Íosa 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 expanded building programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

886 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding refurbishment and extension works at Maynooth post primary School, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9287/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The stage three, developed sketch scheme, has been examined within my Department's post primary building unit.

A number of queries have arisen and these have been brought to the attention of the chief executive officer of County Kildare VEC for evaluation and a response from his design team. Subject to a satisfactory response, the question of authorising the project to stage four, detailed design, will be considered.