Vol. 550 No. 4
858 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the contract for the building of the new St. James national school, Durrus, Bantry, County Cork, will be awarded in 2002; and if so, the timeframe in this regard. [9245/02]
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 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 the 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 proposed new two classroom school for St. James national school, Durrus, Bantry, County Cork, 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.
859 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the contract for the building of the new Gaelscoil national school in Bantry, County Cork, will be awarded in 2002; and if so, the timeframe in this regard. [9246/02]
My Department has received an application from the authorities of Gaelscoil Bheanntrai for a new school building on a green field site. My Department will give detailed consideration to this application from Gaelscoil Bheanntrai as soon as possible under the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
860 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on correspondence (details supplied); and when approval will be granted for a replacement building for the school. [9247/02]
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 in excess of €182 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. Because of the greatly increased level of investment in the post-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 and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
In relation to the school to which the Deputy refers my Department has approved the installation of two prefabricated general classrooms to meet the short-term needs of the school. As regards the long-term strategy for the school the building unit of my Department is currently analysing various options.
