Jackie Healy-Rae
Question:158 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will fast-track the provision of a secondary school in Castlegregory, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12691/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
The provision of a new school in Castlegregory, County Kerry, is currently at stage 4/5 in architectural planning. It will continue to the next stage as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.
John Perry
Question:159 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale involved for the building of two new classrooms at Rathcormac national school, Sligo; if he will confirm the commencement date of the building to ensure that the school can accommodate new pupils without endangering the safety and health of the pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/02]
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 the accommodation situation 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 Rathcormac national school, County Sligo, for grant aid towards improved accommodation. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.