Brendan Howlin
Question:247 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building project for Bridgetown Vocational College, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14639/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
The stage 4 submission, detailed design, for Bridgetown Vocational College is currently being examined within my Department. When complete, and if found to be satisfactory, the matter of progressing to the next stage of bill of quantities will be determined.
Seán Ryan
Question:248 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on his ongoing discussions with Hedgestown national school, Lusk, County Dublin in respect of its need for a new school. [14640/02]
Trevor Sargent
Question:249 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the progress being made to build a larger replacement building for Hedgestown national school; and the timeframe for this job. [14673/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
Architectural planning for a building project at Hedgestown national school is under way. Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction are taken in the light of the annual allocation for primary school buildings, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects.
An extensive building programme for 2002 has already been approved and published. It is not envisaged that the proposed building project at Hedgestown national school will proceed to construction in 2002.
Later this year, when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates, I will frame a further comprehensive programme of works that will proceed to construction. The school con cerned will be one of those considered for inclusion in that programme.
I intend to bring greater transparency to the operation of the school building programme and 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 timelines relating to their project.
Trevor Sargent
Question:250 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the progress being made to provide permanent accommodation for the growing needs of Pope John Paul II national school, Malahide, County Dublin; and the timeframe for this work to be done. [14674/02]
Recently my Department authorised the authorities of Pope John Paul II national school, Malahide to instruct their design team to invite tenders for a building project at this school.