Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the proposed building project for Scoil Chlochar Choca Naofa, Kilcock, County Kildare will proceed to architectural planning; the time scale for the various procedures; if this takes cognisance of the average time normally required for architectural planning and preparation of tender documents; the average or anticipated length of time required for architectural and preparation of tender documents in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10375/02]

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 building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity. A proposed building project for Clochar Coca Naofa national school will proceed to architectural planning, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

235 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason work on the extension to Schull Community College has not commenced; if there will be a continuing delay; the length of the delay; the reason for such delays; and when the project will go to tender. [10377/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department has approved in principle the provision of an extension and refur bishment at Schull Community College, Schull, County Cork. The architectural planning of this project is currently at stage five of architectural planning – bill of quantities. A decision to proceed to tender will be conveyed to County Cork Vocational Education Committee as soon as possible.