Vol. 552 No. 4
146 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for a new school building at Our Lady's Bower, Athlone, County Westmeath, has been received in his Department; the date this was received; the status of this application; and when this project is likely to get to construction stage. [12647/02]
An application was received in the planning section of my Department in October 1999 for an extension to the existing school building referred to by the Deputy. The application was examined at that time and it was concluded that the projected long-term enrolment for the school would reach 650 pupils. This figure was based on statistics relating to future output from primary schools in the catchment area and on enrolment trends in the post-primary school in question.
The school authorities were informed of the outcome of this examination and subsequently applied to have the figure reviewed on the basis of impact of current and future housing developments on long-term school enrolments.
The planning section is reviewing the most appropriate way to provide long-term post-primary education in the Athlone centre. Officials of the Department are liaising with Westmeath County Council regarding housing development proposals for the Athlone area with a view to determining how this will impact on schools in Athlone. When this review has been completed my Department will be in contact with the school authorities of Our Lady's Bower.
147 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a new national school for Killimor, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12648/02]
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 and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
A building project for Killimor national school, Killimor, Ballinasloe, County Galway, is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
