Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

915 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the crisis in both St. Cronan's senior and junior schools in Brackenstown, Swords, County Dublin, which were built to cater for four streams and are now catering for between five and six streams; and if he will ensure the necessary decisions are made to ensure extensions are built expeditiously to include replacement heating systems in view of the fact that much money has already been spent on renting pre-fab classrooms. [9402/02]

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

St. Cronan's junior national school is being extended-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. I have recently authorised the building unit of my Department to appoint a design team for the building project at St. Cronan's senior national school.

The planning and building unit of my Department will be in contact with the board of management of the school shortly.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

916 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans of his Department in regard to St. George's national school, Balbriggan, County Dublin, which being a two classroom school is due to increase enrolment dramatically in view of the fast expanding town population expected to rise from 10,000 to more than 30,000 in the next ten years; and if his plans include expansion of other existing schools in the area and the establishment of new schools. [9403/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

An application for capital funding from St. George's national school, was received in the planning and building unit of my Department in July last. The application is being considered in the context of an overall review of primary educational provision in the Balbriggan area taking into account all relevant factors, i.e. enrolment trends in this school and neighbouring schools, demographic trends, housing developments, and birth and baptism statistics for the parish. As soon as this review is complete decisions will be made on how best to address any emerging needs and my officials will be in contact with the relevant school authorities.