Denis Naughten
Ceist:40 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he is taking to upgrade primary schools in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5125/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 19 February 2004
Ceisteanna (44)
Freagraí scríofa
The 2004 school building programme is a further major step in progressing this Government's consistent commitment since 1997 to deal with school accommodation needs. It details in excess of 200 significant school building projects that are being authorised to proceed to tender and construction in 2004.
The projects in Roscommon that are listed in the programme for proceeding to tender and construction include primary schools at Ballyforan, Cloonbonniff, Ballanagare and Ballyleague. A further two schools, Grange national school in Boyle and Abbey national school in Roscommon were added to this list as part of the recent allocation of the €30 million additional investment in school buildings.
The Deputy will also be aware that projects at primary schools in Clooniquin, Roxboro and Ballyfeeney proceeded to construction as part of the 2003 school building programme.
A number of other projects for schools in Roscommon are at various stages of architectural planning. The details on these projects are listed at sections 8 and 9 of the 2004 programme. As I have previously stated, a key part of my strategy in future will be grounded on the budget day announcement of multi-annual allocations for capital investment in education projects covering the years 2004 to 2008. All projects that are not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being reviewed with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual building programme from 2005 onwards. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement on this matter during 2004.
A total of €31 million has been set aside in the 2004 programme for projects that will be included in the summer works scheme. This is a new initiative for grant-aiding small-scale improvement works that can be carried out in the summer in both primary and post-primary schools. The applications under this scheme are currently being processed and when this is completed an announcement will be made of the successful applications.