Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

429 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science the date on which he received an application for funding from a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if this money will be provided in 2002 from his budget for this extension and improvement; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement as to when finance will be made available. [5460/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million. This 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.

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

A proposed building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.