Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2004

Thursday, 6 May 2004

Questions (139)

Jack Wall

Question:

139 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the 20 projects under the devolved capital scheme which commenced in 2003; if the projects reached completion; if all of the projects drew down funding; if such a scheme is planned for 2004; the maximum size which was permitted under the scheme; the number of rooms permitted; if, as a result of the pilot project, it is envisaged by him to extend the permitted qualifying criteria to include new schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13136/04]

Written answers

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

My Department selected 20 schools to take part in the pilot initiative to which the Deputy refers. The initiative is contained within section 8 of the 2003 school building programme. This initiative allows small and rural primary schools to operate on a devolved basis and allows boards of management address their accommodation priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding. The initiative gives the boards total control over the provision and timing of accommodation within the terms of the initiative.

To date construction has commenced on 18 projects, with works to begin shortly on the remaining two. The amount of the grant aid ranges from €100,000 to €350,000, depending on the pupil enrolment and the size of the school. This initiative is aimed at schools with a maximum of four mainstream classrooms. A further 44 schools were invited to partake in the scheme in 2004, the details of which are contained within section 2 of the 2004 school building programme.