Vol. 552 No. 1
671 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science when is it proposed to provide a new co-education national school in Kenmare, County Kerry, following agreement of parents, teachers and boards of management of both St. Clare's and St. Francis national schools to amalgamate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/02]
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 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 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.
A design team has been appointed and a submission outlining options for the amalgamated school was submitted to my Department recently and is currently being examined. The project will progress through architectural planning and to the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
672 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when major refurbishment and enlargement of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will progress; when it is expected work will start; the position in this regard; and if the development of the information technology room can be expedited and completed during the summer holidays in 2002. [11196/02]
A revised stage 1, site suitability, submission has been received in my Department's building unit regarding the refurbishment and enlargement of the school to which the Deputy refers and this is currently being examined by my Department's technical staff. Upon completion of this examination a decision will be made on how best to progress this project. It is too early in the architectural process to indicate when this project will be ready to go to construction.
In relation to the progression of an application in respect of an information technology room at this school, the matter is being considered in the context of the overall project.
673 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on the application for additional accommodation by the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11197/02]
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 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 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.
My Department will give detailed consideration this year to an application from the authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy for grant aid towards improved accommodation as part of the Government's expanded building programme.
