Deirdre Clune
Question:183 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school project (details supplied) in County Cork will go ahead by the end of June 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9632/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, a record level of funding which 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.
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 Government's expanded building programme.
Billy Timmins
Question:184 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding Colái ste Bhríde, Carnew, County Wicklow, who are waiting a ?4.5 million school extension; if, in view of the fact that they are currently arranging rooms for leaving certificate and junior certificate examinations and are wondering if alternative accommodation will be required, approval can be given as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9633/02]
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, a record level of funding which demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Because 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 school to which the Deputy refers is to receive additional accommodation as part of the Government's programme. Architectural planning is currently at stage four/five – detailed planning and bills of quantities. The stage submission is being analysed by my Department. When this analysis is complete the question of inviting tenders for the construction stage will be considered under the Government's expanded building programme.