Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004

Tuesday, 27 April 2004

Questions (268)

Willie Penrose

Question:

327 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an application for Coralstown national school, Mullingar, County Westmeath, for funding under the summer works scheme grant, was refused, in view of the fact that this grant to reslate the existing roof, install new windows and doors and paint the exterior of the school which requires a grant in the sum of €26,000; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that same is urgently required in view of the current state of the roof, in that slates blow off during windy weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11209/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The board of management of Coralstown national school, Mullingar, County Westmeath, stated the replacement of roof slates was its priority number one project in its application under the summer works scheme. The application was not approved as works of this nature are deemed to be a maintenance issue and should be dealt with by the school using funds from its annual grant for minor works. Likewise, the replacement of doors and painting of the school are also considered to be maintenance issues. Window replacement was assessed as a category E project in accordance with the published criteria for the summer works scheme. It was only possible to fund priority one projects in categories A, B and C this year. Coralstown national school is included in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme for a replacement school. Projects listed in section 8 will be authorised to proceed to advance architectural planning, that is, pre-tender stage.