Vol. 552 No. 1
840 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made to date on the provision of a replacement school for Scoil Naisunta na BhFiodh Fews national school, Kilmacthomas, County Waterford; when he expects to announce the commencement of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12060/02]
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 accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
841 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if the report by the building unit of his Department in January 2002 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been reviewed; and when progress is likely to be made on this particular project. [12085/02]
The report to which the Deputy refers has been reviewed by the post-primary building unit of my Department. A letter has issued to County Kilkenny VEC in relation to this matter requesting further information from the VEC and its design team. A reply is awaited.
842 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date regarding the extra facilities at Scoil an Linbh Iosa, Prosperous, County Kildare; when it is expected that the required facilities will be commissioned or available for occupation; when the various preparatory stages are likely to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12086/02]
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 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 this 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.
Scoil an Linbh Iosa is being extended-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
843 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the proposed walkway at Confey College, Leixlip, County Kildare, will be provided, having particular regard to the preparations already in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12087/02]
In October 2001, I approved funding for the provision of a covered walkway at Confey Community College, Leixlip, County Kildare, based on information and costing supplied by County Kildare Vocational Education Committee.
It is a matter for County Kildare VEC, in conjunction with its design team, to arrange with the contractor to put the work in hands within the approved costs.
