Michael Creed
Ceist:1402 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding proposals to build two new schools in Cork (details supplied). [2866/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
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 accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. In view 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.
The Deputy referred to two schools in the details supplied. The position in regard to the first is that enrolments have declined from 44 in the 1996-97 school year to 26 at present. Given that the long-term enrolments of a school are the main factor in determining the extent and type of accommodation to be provided, my Department is undertaking an assessment of the future enrolments at the school in question before proceeding further with the project. My Department will write to the school authorities when this assessment has been completed.
With regard to the second school, a new school is proposed as part of the Government's programme and the project 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. 1403 answered with Question No. 1121.