Tom Hayes
Ceist:541 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a commitment to the building programme for a school (details supplied) in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10116/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
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 pri mary 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 project to provide a new building for the school referred to by the Deputy is included 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.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:542 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a commitment to the building programme for a school (details supplied) in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10117/02]
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. In view 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 building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will proceed to architectural planning, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:543 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a commitment to the building programme for a school (details supplied) in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10118/02]
My Department's building unit has approved the provision of temporary accommodation to cater for an additional teacher at the school referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will appreciate that the extent of the permanent accommodation to be provided at any school is directly related to the number of pupils requiring the facilities in the long-term. My Department will have to be fully satisfied that the pupil enrolments at the school in question will warrant the additional accommodation sought. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:544 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school at St. Joseph's secondary school, Ballybunion, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/02]
The structural requirements of the school are currently being assessed in light of the overall educational requirements and the existing educational provision. When this assessment is completed, the future strategy to address the infrastructure needs of the school will be determined and the school authority will be notified.