Seán Ryan
Question:139 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 the need for a new school. [15075/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
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 be framing a further comprehensive programme of works that will proceed to construction and the school concerned will be one of those considered for inclusion in that programme.
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 multiannual dimension into the published programme so that schools will have an indication of the expected timelines relating to their project.