Vol. 548 No. 5
444 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a request for accommodation improvements by St. Patrick's national school, Greystones, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5609/02]
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. 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. A building project at St. Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow 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.
445 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received all outstanding information requested regarding projected enrolments at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the situation regarding provision of a new school in view of the information submitted. [5657/02]
My Department has recently received, from the management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy, detailed information regarding enrolment and demographic trends, housing and birth statistics for the area concerned. This information is currently being assessed in the planning section of my Department. A report in the matter has also been sought from the inspector for the area. On receipt and consideration of this report, a decision will be made on how best the accommodation needs of the school should be addressed. The school board of management will be advised of the decision at the earliest possible date.
446 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects which have been sanctioned to proceed to construction in each month since January 2001. [5658/02]
I will arrange to have a list of capital building projects that were funded by my Department in 2001 forwarded to the Deputy.
