Chris Flood
Ceist:180 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals for the provision of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6245/02]
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 the 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 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 and 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a large number of school projects throughout the country are held up at this time; if sufficient finances are available to meet the requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6246/02]
The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by this Government to the building programme at all levels. The capital allocation in the current year is €183.729 million and €153.6 million for post-primary and primary levels respectively. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that school building projects throughout the country are not being held up. Annually, my Department's building unit must evaluate and assess the timely progression of building projects to best utilise the available capital resources.