Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

215 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to respond to the proposals from the board of management to provide a new building for Gaelscoil an Longfoirt, County Longford, in a new housing project in Longford; and if he accepts the proposal to provide the building under a public-private partnership. [12535/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department has received an application from Gaelscoil an Longfoirt for a new school building on a greenfield site.

My Department will give detailed consideration to this application, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

216 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science the expected time frame for the building of two classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; if proceedings will be put in place immediately for the work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12573/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

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 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. The school authorities will be kept informed on developments.