Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

413 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if capital funding will be made available in 2002 to the Ursline post primary school, Sligo for the provision of four specialised classrooms, four ordinary classrooms and a fully developed sports hall; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that planning permission and a fire certificate have been granted to the school authorities for these works; and if the capital grants will be made available. [6496/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

In view of the greatly increased level of investment in the post primary buildings area since this Government come 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 stage 4, detailed design, submission for the extension at the Ursuline College is currently being examined by the Department's technical staff. When this submission is found to be satisfactory, the school will be authorised to proceed to the next stage of architectural planning, stage 5, bill of quantities.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

414 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the extension to Carragh national school, County Kildare has not gone ahead as planned; when it is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6497/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

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 building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

Carragh national school 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.