Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

1270 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the need for the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason funding for this project has been withdrawn; the background to this decision; if he will reconsider this building project with a view to allocating funding at a future date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2174/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

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.

Due to 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.

A building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. 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.