Michael Ring
Ceist:659 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding allocated to five schools in County Mayo for urgent works; the amounts for each individual school; and the plans for the funding allocated. [8248/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
I have given approval for the funding of urgent works each costing less than €500,000 in 5 schools in County Mayo. These include roof repairs, gas installation and mechanical and electrical works. Until such time as the tendering process has been finalised it will not be possible to state the exact amount to be spent on each project in the current year.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:660 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has received correspondence from parents at a school (details supplied); if replies have been furnished to these parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8249/02]
My Department's building unit has recently received a copy of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy and a reply will be issued as soon as possible.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:661 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant approval for the commencement of building works in respect of the provision of ancillary accommodation at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [8287/02]
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 for the school referred to by the Deputy is 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.