Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects to provide the extra facilities required at Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21750/03]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
The proposed new school project for Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan, County Dublin is listed in section 6 of the 2003 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This project is at stage 4/5 of architectural planning, detail design/pre-tender documents. It has been assigned a band 2 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. Projects listed in sections 6 will not be authorised to progress beyond their current stage of architectural planning at this time. Budgetary provisions in 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progression to tender and construction of these projects in conjunction with the band rating individually assigned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to extra facilities and equipment required at Scoil Dara, Kilcock, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21751/03]
My Department has provided €4.8 million grant-aid for the design and construction of the recently completed primary school for North Kildare Educate Together.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding available for provision of facilities and equipment for the North Kildare School Project, Celbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21752/03]
My Department has provided €4.8 million grant-aid for the design and construction of the recently completed primary school for North Kildare Educate Together.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he expects to advance the school building programme in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21753/03]
The Deputy will be aware that the Estimates process is ongoing at present and that the 2004 funding allocations for all Government Departments, including my own, have not yet been finalised. I am on record as acknowledging that the significant levels of investment made in school buildings in recent years need to be maintained going forward if the goal of eliminating substandard accommodation is to be achieved. To that end, in the context of the Estimates process, I am seeking to put in place a multiannual capital funding envelope for the next four to five years. I consider that the provision of such an envelope for the school building programme will enable my Department to provide greater clarity for all education partners concerning the progress of projects within the programme.
The major investment of recent years in upgrading school accommodation has resulted in new and enhanced school accommodation throughout the country. In the five years, up to and including 2002, a total of €1,248 million has been spent by my Department on primary and post-primary school buildings. This is a very significant amount of investment. The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidate the substantial progress that has already been made in order to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time. The process of investment in educational infrastructure begun by the previous Government will be continued as outlined in the agreed programme for Government.