Vol. 552 No. 2
160 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is in a position to allocate funding for the provision of a new primary school at Sallins Road, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12269/02]
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. Because of 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.
A new primary school at Sallins Road, Naas is 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.
161 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if the promised meeting between officials in his Department and Knocklyon Primary School to consider the needs of the school has taken place; if so, the outcome of the meeting; if he proposes to sanction the provision of new classrooms and other required facilities for the school; the envisaged timeframe; and the position in this regard. [12270/02]
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. Because of 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.
My Department will give detailed consideration to an application for improved accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy as part of the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
