asked the Minister for Education and Science when a new school will be con structed at St. Nicholas primary school, Adare, County Limerick, in view of the commitments made by former Minister, Deputy Martin. [13597/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
369.
My Department has an extensive primary school building programme under way at present and this includes a large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning. Decisions on additional projects proceeding to architectural planning are taken in the light of the annual allocation for capital projects, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects. The programme for 2002 is in place and the schools concerned have been notified.
Later this year when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works and this will involve putting more projects into architectural planning. The needs of the school in question will be considered at that time.
It is my intention to bring greater transparency to the operation of the school building programme and I intend to publish the programme annually. I am also anxious to build a multi-annual dimension into the published programme so that schools will have an indication of the expected timelines relating to their project.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:370 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans his Department has for the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13598/02]
Officials of my Department's planning section meet on a regular basis with the planning department of South Dublin County Council with a view to identifying the need for additional educational provision and reserving sites for schools, where required. The areas referred to by the Deputy are being monitored by my Department and any need to increase school places in those areas will be addressed by extending existing school capacity, or through new school provision, as appropriate.