Ulick Burke
Ceist:90 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay and slowdown in the level of processing of applications for repairs, refurbishment, and extensions at primary school level. [17107/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
My Department is processing applications for repairs, refurbishment, and extensions at primary schools as quickly as possible, having regard to such factors as the priority to be afforded to each project and the very large number of projects in hand at present.
The rate of progress to construction of a project depends on factors such as the complexity and size of the project, the time required to undertake architectural planning, the volume of other projects being dealt with by the design team and my Department's building unit, the period of time required for the granting of planning permission and obtaining a fire certificate, the availability of funding, the outcome of the tender competition and the procurement, where relevant, of bonds, insurance and tax clearance by prospective contractors.
While every effort will be made by my Department to ensure that the projects mentioned by the Deputy are advanced as quickly as possible, it is not possible to say at this stage when construction will commence.
Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 82.