Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

1228 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is engaged in consultations with the board of management of St. Etchen's national school, Kinnegad, County Westmeath, for the provision of additional car parking facilities in the vicinity of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1774/02]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

1234 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the application by St. Etchen's national school, Kinnegad, County Westmeath for additional accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1228 and 1234 together.

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is 153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Because of the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

An extension to St. Etchen's national school including the provision of a bus pull-in and car parking facilities is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as it is possible to do so, under the expanded building programme.

Question No. 1229 answered with Question No. 1121.