Vol. 552 No. 2
139 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in appointing an architect to compile a report on the improvements required at Scoil Iognáid Rís, Callan, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement outlining a timeframe of the stages involved in the process leading to construction. [12157/02]
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. Because of 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 and minor building projects in construction and 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 authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy for grant aid towards improved accommodation as part of the Government's expanded building programme.
140 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in relation to the provision of a sports hall and other facilities at Coláiste Éamonn Rís, Callan, County Kilkenny; the reason a submission made on 2 December 1999 has not been acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12158/02]
An application for improved facilities at Coláiste Éamonn Rís, Callan, County Kilkenny is being examined by the planning section of my Department with a view to determining how best to respond to the long-term accommodation requirements of the school.
The school authorities will be advised of the position as soon as this examination has been completed.
