Vol. 552 No. 1
769 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve a new school for Tralee educate together group at Collis Sandes, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11656/02]
An application for recognition of a new national school has been received from Tralee educate together group at Collis Sandes, Tralee, County Kerry. It is proposed that the new school will open in September next. The application is currently under consideration in my Department's planning section and the promoters will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
770 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has in place to provide a new school for Coola vocational school, County Sligo; the reason the authorisation has not been given; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11657/02]
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 building unit of my Department is in receipt of a request for additional accommodation at Coola vocational school, County Sligo, to cater for a long-term projected enrolment of 225 pupils. A schedule of overall accommodation was prepared and was accepted by County Sligo VEC. Officials of my Department recently visited the school to prepare the schedule of residual accommodation together with the schedule of suggested future use of existing accommodation.
771 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if a timescale has been set for the commencement of the construction of the new school at Coralstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath; when it will be completed and ready for occupation by the students and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11658/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation 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 and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
A proposed new three-classroom for Coralstown national school is 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 under the expanded building programme.
772 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department received plans for the new school for Cólaiste Cois Life, Lucan, County Dublin, in December 2001; if he will approve the moving forward of this project to stage 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11659/02]
An updated stage 3 submission was forwarded to the building unit of my Department at the meeting of 11 April 2002. This submission is currently being examined. Upon completion of this examination, a decision will be taken regarding progressing this project to the next stage.
