Vol. 559 No. 6
78 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no progress has been made on 389 primary schools, listed by his Department as being at the architectural planning phase shortly before the general election; the proposals he has to ensure that the planned work is expedited, especially in regard to schools in very poor conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/02]
The 450 major primary school projects in architectural planning that are listed on my Department's website were not included in the 2002 construction programme. As they are major projects, they have to go through a detailed process of architectural planning which can take a considerable period of time to complete.
The starting date for construction of any major school building project depends on factors such as the size of the project, the complexity of the architectural planning, land acquisition where necessary, sorting out title, the period of time required for the granting of planning permission and obtaining a fire certificate, the outcome of the tender competition and the procurement of bonds, insurance and tax clearance by prospective contractors.
The financial commitments to be met from building projects already in construction is also an important factor in determining the number of projects that may proceed at any given time.
It is my Department's intention to release the projects in architectural planning to construction on a phased basis over a number of years. I will be announcing my Department's expenditure proposals relating to school buildings in January.
