Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

237 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the gross overcrowding at Killeeneen national school, Craughwell, County Galway; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a development plan for the school was drawn up as long ago as October 2001 and is with the planning section of his Department in Tullamore; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the accommodation is totally inadequate; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is huge increase in the population in this area and that the school can be regarded as sub-standard under many headings unless the school extension is funded immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10379/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

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. 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 building project Killeenen national school, Craughwell, County Galway, is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invi tation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.