Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

230 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for upgrading and refurbishment of Barnaderg national school, Tuam, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that unacceptable levels of radon gas have been found in three of the five rooms in the school; if this school will be on the new list of national schools that are being sent for tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10371/02]

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 the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. In view 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.

Barnaderg national school is being refurbished-extended as part of the Government's programme and architectural planning has been completed. Tenders will be invited, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme. Moderately elevated levels of radon gas have been measured in some of the rooms in the school. My Department will be in contact with the school regarding this very shortly with a view to taking action to mitigate this as soon as possible and in advance of other works.