Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:358 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3107/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the 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 the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The school referred to by the Deputy is being extended-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
Alan M. Dukes
Ceist:359 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an application by a secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare for capital funding for development purposes has been rejected; and if the case will be reviewed. [3125/02]
My Department's post primary building unit has agreed in principle to the provision of an extension to, and refurbishment of, the post primary school in County Kildare referred to by the Deputy. I am somewhat perplexed at the Deputy's assertion. I wish to assure the Deputy that the application has not been rejected.
The current position is that the stage 1 – feasibility – report is being considered and a letter will issue to the chief executive officer of County Kildare VEC as soon as possible in the matter.