Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Question:

206 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate facilities that exist in the Ursline College, Sligo; if work will commence on the extension; his views on the fact that, in the event of an accident occurring, his Department will be held responsible for breaking health and safety regulations; when this work will commence; the negotiations which have taken place to redress this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10673/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. Due to 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 revised stage four submission, detail design, for the extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is currently being examined by my Department's technical staff. When this submission is found to be satisfactory, the school will be authorised to proceed as soon as possible under the expanded building programme to the next stage of architectural planning, stage five, bill of quantities.