Vol. 464 No. 7
94 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education the projects in County Meath recommended to her for approval for capital expenditure in the primary and post-primary sector in 1996; the projects so approved by her; and the reason other projects were not approved for capital expenditure. [8875/96]
I considered all building projects currently being processed in the primary and post-primary building branch of my Department before I decided on the capital building programme for 1996.
95 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education the total estimated capital costs for projects approved by her Department at primary and post-primary level; and the total amount allocated in these sectors for capital projects in 1996. [8876/96]
I take it the Deputy's question relates to major capital projects.
Generally, the planning and building process from project identification to enrolment projection, examination of amalgamation possibilities, site acquisition, architectural planning, construction and completion takes two to three years in most cases. As planning work is completed, projects are released to construction on a phased basis depending on the funds available. Thus, contracts under way in the current year would have been planned in the 1993-95 period.
With regard to primary schools, planning work is in progress in respect of 120 projects with a total estimated cost of £34 million. Construction work is under way at a further 50 schools and the sum allocated to the subhead this year is £21 million.
In so far as post-primary schools are concerned, architectural planning work is in progress on 85 projects with a total estimated cost of £62 million. Construction work will be in progress at a further 50 schools and the sum allocated to the subhead is £30 million.
