Vol. 550 No. 4
924 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at Tiermohan national school, Donadea, County Kildare; the full schedule of facilities to be provided; the timescale involved; when the completion date is anticipated for the works involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9523/02]
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.
Due to 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. A proposed building project for Tiermohan national school will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
925 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which current facilities are adequate in each of the primary schools in Celbridge, County Kildare, to meet requirements; the extent to which his Department has responded to date; his plans for a response in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9524/02]
With the exception of the North Kildare national school project, enrolments at primary level in Celbridge have been in gradual decline in recent years. However, there are three projects in architectural planning for primary schools in the Celbridge area.
It is intended that construction will commence as soon as possible on the North Kildare school project and arrangements are being made to that effect. The other two projects are at advanced stages of architectural planning. They involve the replacement of temporary classrooms with permanent accommodation and improving the level of ancillary accommodation at Scoil Mochua and Scoil na Mainistreach. It is envisaged that, following the completion of these building projects, there will be sufficient primary school accommodation in Celbridge to meet current and anticipated demand.
926 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full extent of extra facilities and staff requirements at Presentation convent school, Maynooth, County Kildare; the position regarding his response or intended response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9525/02]
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.
Due to 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.
Presentation Convent 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.
927 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which current facilities at all the primary schools in Kilcock, County Kildare, are adequate to meet requirements; his plans to address the need as identified by the school authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9526/02]
With the exception of Gaelscoil Uí Riada, for which a new school building is currently in architectural planning, primary school enrolments in Kilcock have remained static in recent years.
However, in view of proposed housing developments in the Kilcock area, the planning and building unit of my Department has determined that an extension will be required at Clochar Chóca Naofa national school to replace existing temporary accommodation and to allow for an anticipated increase in numbers.
My Department will continue to monitor school accommodation requirements in the Kilcock area and any additional needs will be addressed as expeditiously as possible.
928 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of extra facilities required at Rathmore national school, Naas, County KiIdare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9527/02]
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.
Due to 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.
