Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
91. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Education and Skills why he has not released funds to facilitate a seven classroom extension for a school (details supplied) going ahead, given a previous commitment to do so; the amount of money allocated to allow the project to move ahead; when he will make this allocation available and when construction can begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16128/16]
View answerThe building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. All statutory approvals have been obtained and the Stage 2b submission has been approved by my Department.
However, on 1st January 2016 there were 66 major projects under construction. Since the start of this year 14 more major projects have been progressed to construction and there are currently 36 projects authorised to progress through the tender process with a view to starting on site in the coming months. That represents a total of 116 major projects either under construction or progressing to commence construction in 2016. The existing contractual commitments for 2016 now fully account for the funding allocation available in 2016.
My officials will continue to closely monitor expenditure on existing contractual commitments over the coming months and, as funding allows, other projects, including the project for the school in question, will be considered for progression through the tender process with a view to starting on site as soon as possible.
