Vol. 546 No. 3
409 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the extension for Bellewstown national school will commence; the stage of planning the extension is at; if a contractor has been obtained; if not, when a contractor will be obtained; if he will give a date for the commencement of the building of the extension to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31696/01]
An application has been received for capital funding in respect of a proposed project at Bellewstown national school. Decisions on the appointment of design teams in respect of individual projects will be taken in light of the recent allocation for primary school buildings in last week's budget and my Department will be in contact with the school authorities as soon as possible.
410 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school building projects now within his Department awaiting funding; the amount of a shortfall there is in 2001 for the funding for these projects; and if additional funding is to be allocated to his Department for 2002 in this regard. [31697/01]
There are more than 70 major primary school projects under construction at present. In addition there are in excess of 450 major primary school building projects in stages of architectural planning.
The provisional outturn for primary school buildings in 2001 is £107 million (137.95 million). This includes a supplementary allocation of £15 million (19.05 million) approved last week. The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is 153 million. This is an historically high level of funding and demonstrates the commitment of the present Government to the continued improvement of accommodation in our primary schools. In addition our first five major PPPs are under way at second level and my Department is preparing for further projects in 2002.
411 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when the plans for the proposed extension to Carrowkennedy national school, Westport, County Mayo will be sent out to tender. [31698/01]
412 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed extension to Carrowkennedy national school, Westport, County Mayo. [31699/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.
Architectural planning of the provision of a new school at Carrowkennedy, Westport, County Mayo is under way. It is not possible at this stage to say exactly when the project will go on site.
413 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is in receipt of an application for funding from a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if the funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31700/01]
The stage 3 – developed sketch scheme – submission in respect of the project to provide an extension to, and refurbishment of the school referred to by the Deputy is currently being considered. When this examination is completed and subject to the submission being satisfactory, the question of authorising the project to proceed to stage 4 – detailed design – will be considered. The matter of my Department's post primary building branch providing funding toward the cost of the project will only arise at stage 6 – tender action and report.
