Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005
342 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the next step to be taken with regard to the four classroom extension to the existing primary school at Ratoath is the appointment of an architect; if she will provide a time frame regarding when she will be in a position to give a decision on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3172/05]
View answerThe extension project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria, which were revised following consultation with the education partners. Progress on the project is being considered under the school building programme. I recently announced the first phase of the 2005 school building programme which provided details of 122 major school building projects country wide which will prepare tenders and move to construction during 2005.
This announcement is the first in a series of announcements I plan to make in the coming period in relation to the schools building and modernisation programme that will include: details of schools identified as suitable for construction under public private partnerships; an expansion of the number of schools that will be invited to deliver their building projects on the basis of devolved funding; details of schools with projects approved under the 2005 summer works scheme; schools whose projects will further progress through the design process; and schools that will be authorised to commence architectural planning.
343 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made in regard to applications from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3179/05]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. I recently announced details of 122 major school building projects that will progress to tender and construction phase over the next 12-15 months under the €3.4 billion multi-annual funding secured for the years 2005 to 2009.
I am anxious to ensure that a consistent flow of projects to tender and construction can be sustained into the future. I plan to make a number of announcements in the near future in regard to the schools building and modernisation programme including details of those school projects which will further progress through the design process. All projects in architectural planning, including the school in question, will be considered as part of this process.
