Vol. 553 No. 6
72 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans in place to build a new post-primary school in designated lands at Adamstown, Lucan; when such a development might take place in view of the fact that there is already severe pressure on the existing schools in Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/02]
My officials are in regular contact with the planning department of South Dublin County Council regarding proposed developments in the Adamstown area of Lucan. The county council has produced an area plan for Adamstown in which there are two sites reserved for primary schools and one site for a postprimary school.
In recent discussions with the council regarding Adamstown it emerged that the bulk of housing developments will not commence until the necessary infrastructure is in place and this is expected to be in 2004 at the earliest. Accordingly, my Department has no immediate plans to develop the post-primary site. However, developments in the area are being monitored regularly by my officials so that a timely decision regarding acquisition of the site can be taken.
With regard to existing post-primary provision in Lucan, the position is that a building project at St. Joseph's College has been given sanction to proceed to tender. Tenders have already been sought for the building project at Coláiste Phádraig. A building project to provide a permanent school building for Coláiste Cois Life is currently at stage 3 or developed sketch scheme of the architectural design process.
In order to monitor post-primary enrolments in Lucan my Department's planning and building unit meets on a regular basis with the principals of the four post-primary schools in the area. This forum assists to a significant degree in optimising the use of existing school capacity so as to ensure that pupils in the Lucan area are able to obtain a place in a local post-primary school.
I am satisfied that my Department's current approach, involving the provision of additional accommodation, liaison with the local authority and existing providers, and the reservation of sites will ensure that emerging demand in the Adamstown area is addressed in a timely manner.
73 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in respect of which refurbishment or extension of facilities is currently ongoing; if sufficient funding has been provided to ensure the completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14783/02]
Estimated capital expenditure on primary school buildings in 2002 is €172.6 million. This will be used to fund this year's primary school building programme. I am satisfied that the funding available is sufficient to cater for this year's extensive programme.
The programme includes more than 200 projects currently under construction or planned to go to construction before the end of the year. In addition, grant aid will be provided for a range of smaller works. To date 700 such grants have been approved at a cost of €21 million and it is anticipated that this rate of expenditure will continue for the rest of the year.
