Vol. 550 No. 4
820 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 767 of 6 November 2001 the progress regarding this project; if his Department will expedite the application; and the funding which is available. [8982/02]
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 the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
My Department will give detailed consideration this year to an application from the school in question for improved accommodation as part of the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be informed of developments.
821 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 784 of 6 November 2001, his Department will recheck their records regarding this matter as correspondence from the school to the building unit dating back to December 1999 confirms the school's application for a sports hall, computer room and art room; if, following this re-examination his Department will confirm the status of the application and the intention of his Department; and if his Department will expedite the application in view of the delay in the process. [8983/02]
I am happy to confirm to the Deputy that the post-primary building unit of my Department received an application from the school's board of management regarding the provision of a sports hall, computer room and art room.
As stated in previous correspondence, the school's long-term projected pupil enrolments are being determined in order to assess future viability and how its accommodation needs can best be met.
My Department's planning section has almost concluded an analysis of enrolment statistics and demographic trends for the area. The school authorities will be contacted as soon as this process is completed.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will make continued efforts to progress the application to an acceptable outcome.
822 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of the extra facilities at Rathmore primary school, Naas, County Kildare; the reason for the undue delay in progressing this matter to stage VI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8985/02]
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 the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
Rathmore 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.
823 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the board of management of St. Patrick's national school, Calry, County Sligo, has applied for funding for the provision of two extra permanent classrooms and a general purpose room in the school; when his Department intends to approve funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/02]
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 the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
St. Patrick's national school, Calry is being extended-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
824 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the existing Ardkeerin national school premises in Riverstown, County Sligo, needs to be replaced; if his Department intends to approve funding for a new school premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8987/02]
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 the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
My Department will give further consideration this year to the application from Ardkeerin national school for improved accommodation as part of the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
