Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

John Perry

Question:

189 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the provision of three additional classrooms for St Enda's national school, Carraroe, County Sligo; the reason work has not commenced in view of the fact that the school has 320 pupils; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the pupils and teacher occupy eight classrooms in the main building and four prefabs outside, with 33% of children and staff in temporary prefab accommodation; if the necessary steps will be taken to address the inadequate facilities which exist at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/02]

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

196 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if the three additional classrooms and relevant specialist and ancillary accommodation for St. Enda's national school, Carraroe, County Sligo, can be brought to architectural planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12365/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 196 together.

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 the accommodation situation 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 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 proposed building project for St. Enda's national school, will proceed to architectural planning, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.