Vol. 566 No. 3
273 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be made available for an extension to the Ennis national school, County Clare, to cater for the 700 pupils in a school with nine pre-fabricated buildings, two of which are in a very bad condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12926/03]
The 2003 school building programme was published in January and on the basis of the budgetary allocation it was not possible to make provision for any further projects in 2003. The budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progress on projects, including the application from the management authorities at Ennis national school, that could not be included in this year's programme. In the meantime, individual schools should use their devolved grant to deal with any urgent health and safety works.
Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 253.
275 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the community college, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, that was promised an extension and refurbishment in 2002; the stage the project is at; and if he will make a statement on this project, giving a firm commitment to the school's future. [12928/03]
The proposed extension project at Castleblayney College is awaiting the appointment of a design team to commence the architectural planning process. However, in view of the scale of the capital programme for 2003 and having regard to the level of financial commitments to be met from projects already in construction, my Department does not envisage that it will be in a position during the current year to initiate architectural planning on any further large scale projects, including that proposed for Castleblayney College. The timing of when this project can progress is dependent on the funding allocation for 2004 and subsequent years.
