Tom Hayes
Question:257 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when the necessary improvements will be carried out at Scoil Mhuire, Kilsheelan, Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13010/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
The authorities of Scoil Mhuire, Kilsheelan, have applied for grant aid towards an extension to their existing building. My Department has an extensive primary school building programme under way at present and this includes a large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning. Decisions on additional projects proceeding to architectural planning are taken in the light of the annual allocation for capital projects, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects. The programme for 2002 is in place and the schools concerned have been notified.
Later this year, when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates, I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works and this will involve putting more projects into architectural planning. The accommodation needs of the school in question will be considered at that time. In the meantime, the primary building unit of my Department has given approval to the school authorities to appoint a consultant architect to report on essential works required at the school. When this report is received the matter will be progressed further.
It is my intention to bring greater transparency to the operation of the school building programme and I intend to publish the programme annually. I am also anxious to build a multi-annual dimension into the published programme so that schools will have an indication of the expected time-lines relating to their project.