I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that details of all schools, including schools in County Meath, that have received capital funding from my Department may be viewed on my Department website at www.education.ie by clicking on "Schools and Colleges", then "Building Works" and selecting the relevant headings. This is updated on a regular basis.
The Deputy will be aware that the Five Year Construction Plan that I announced in March 2012 lists the individual school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. The Plan priorities new school building projects as well as major extensions in areas where significant demographic need has been established, including areas in Meath, so that our school system is in a position to cater for increasing pupil numbers.
Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects scheduled to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school scheduled to proceed to construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan, were published. In November 2013, details of the 70 building projects scheduled to commence construction in 2014, the third year of the plan, were published. All three Plans are available on my Department's website.
In addition, due to additional funding made available for the schools' building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs" package, 28 school projects that were not contained in the Five Year Plan but had completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction. Two schools in County Meath benefited from this initiative.
The Deputy will also be aware that under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative. In June 2013, the Department announced a further initiative to replace prefab units with permanent accommodation. A total of €15 million has been allocated in 2013/14 for this purpose. Replacing prefabs is part of this Government's €475 million education infrastructure plan for 2014. The list of schools approved under these prefab replacement schemes are available on the Department's website. 10 County Meath schools were awarded capital funding under this initiative.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced details of the schools, including those schools in County Meath that will receive Summer Works Scheme funding in 2014 in respect of applications submitted for Categories 1-6 i.e. Gas, Electrical, Mechanical, Toilet Facilities and Roof Works projects. In total, I have approved funding of more than €70 million on this scheme to allow schools undertake improvement works during the summer. A list of the successful schools may be viewed on my Department's website.
