Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
355 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the case of capital funds allocated for primary schools in 2004 but which are unspent at year end, these funds will be used for primary school projects in 2005 and will be in addition to capital expenditure already announced. [33116/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe capital allocation for 2004 for primary schools amounted to €201 million. It is difficult to predict accurately the likely outturn at this stage. However, it is expected that there will be a carry forward of €30 million from this sector for 2005. This sum is part of the €50 million carryover which has featured in the Abridged Estimates Volume.
As I outlined at the launch of the schools building and modernisation programme 2005-09 on 5 December, I plan to spend €270 million on primary schools in 2005. This sum includes the expected €30 million carry forward from 2004.
356 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the date on which the tender price for a project (details supplied) in County Westmeath was approved; the estimated construction period; if the project is on schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33117/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. It has a band 2 rating.
The introduction of a multi-annual funding process for school building projects requires a revised approach to how projects are scheduled through the design process and on to tender and construction. In order to maintain a smooth flow of projects and ensure that the optimum number of projects is ready to go to tender and construction at any given time, I will progress on a priority basis those projects that are in the early design stages. I will provide further details of those projects and notify the schools concerned early in 2005. In this way I want to create a sustained momentum in the schools building programme to match the Government's multi-annual funding commitment.
