Finian McGrath
Question:260 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided for a number of schools (details supplied) for essential building, mechanical and electrical work. [18346/03]
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Regarding St. Vincent de Paul GNS, Griffith Avenue, my Department recently authorised the school to accept a tender for the replacement of the water tanks and the provision of a new gas fired boiler. This project is listed in section 11, primary, of the 2003 school building programme. The projects at Howth Road NS, Belgrove boy's NS and the Phoenix Park Special School are in the early stages of architectural planning and are listed in section 7, primary, of the building programme. The timing of when these can progress to tender and construction will depend on the budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years and the priority assigned to each project by reference to the band ratings.
On the basis of the budgetary allocation it was not possible to make provision for the acquisition of a site for Gaelscoil Cholmcille in 2003. The budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progress on projects, including site acquisitions, that could not be included in this year's programme.