Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

221 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for temporary accommodation for second level schools before his Department; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26686/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

222 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for refurbishments at second level schools before his Department; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26687/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

223 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for extensions to primary schools with his Department; the projected costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

224 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications before his Department for new second level schools; the location of these proposed second level schools; the projected cost of each project as well as the total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26689/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

226 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for temporary accommodation for primary schools before his Department; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26691/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

227 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for refurbishments at primary schools before his Department; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26692/03]

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

228 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications before his Department for new primary schools; the location of these proposed primary schools; the projected cost of each project as well as the total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26693/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 224, inclusive, and 226 to 228, inclusive, together.

Sections 6 and 7 of the 2003 school building programme include a total of 578 primary and post-primary extensions, refurbishments and new school projects that are at an early or advanced stage of architectural planning. These lists do not include applications for projects that are not yet in architectural planning.

Section 12 of the programme lists over 200 temporary accommodation projects that were approved in 2003. Many schools would not yet be aware of their temporary accommodation requirements for 2004. To reduce the requirement for temporary accommodation, my Department commenced a pilot initiative in 2003 that enables schools to provide a permanent solution to their classroom accommodation needs. This initiative is being reviewed with a view to its expansion in 2004. In relation to costs, it is not the policy of my Department to publish the estimated cost of projects in advance of a tendering process as to do so could influence future tender competitions.

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 billion has been spent by my Department on primary and post-primary school buildings. This is a very significant investment.

The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidate the substantial progress that has already been made 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.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

225 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the total spend on second level school buildings in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26690/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department's total capital expenditure in the post-primary sector for 2002 amounted to €171,346,626.84.

Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, answered with Question No. 221.

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

229 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the total spend on primary buildings in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26694/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department's total capital expenditure in the primary sector for 2002 amounted to €172,788,186.32.