Dáil Éireann - Volume 550 - 20 March, 2002

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Mr. Connaughton Mr. Connaughton

  723. Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the poor conditions at Brierfield national school, Tuam, County Galway and the fact that the Western Health Board environmental health officer has identified a number of matters which need attention immediately; the stage the application for grant aid is at; and when the money will be made available to carry out the much needed work. [8570/02]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

  Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

  Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

  A building project at Brierfield national school, Tuam, County Galway, is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

Mr. Connaughton Mr. Connaughton

  724. Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a grant has not been made available to Ballymana national school, Craughwell, County Galway; and if he will meet the board of management to discuss the matter. [8571/02]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

1424

  Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of [1424] funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

  Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

  A building project at Ballymana national school, Craughwell, County Galway, is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. I have noted the Deputy's comments in relation to this school. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

Mr. Connaughton Mr. Connaughton

  725. Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a new school has not been sanctioned for Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh, Beal Átha na Slua, Contae na Gaillimhe; the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8572/02]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

  Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

  Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

  A building project for Gaelscoil Uí Cheithearnaigh, Beal Átha na Slua, Contae na Gaillimhe, is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

Mr. J. Bruton Mr. J. Bruton

  726. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the necessary ancillary works will be carried out at St. Fintina's school in Longwood, County Meath to provide classrooms instead of damp prefabs and proper basketball courts and soccer pitches; if he will increase the number of school buses serving this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8573/02]

Dr. Woods Dr. Woods

1425

  Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): I have been informed that my Department's post-primary building unit has not received an application to provide classrooms instead of prefabs, basketball courts or soccer [1425] pitches from County Meath VEC in respect of St. Fintina's post-primary school, Longwood.

  For the purposes of the post-primary education scheme, the country is divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post-primary centre. Recognised post-primary pupils who reside three miles or over from the post-primary centre of the catchment area in which they live are eligible for transport to that centre under the school transport scheme.

  If the school provides details of the names and addresses of the pupils seeking transport, my Department will examine the case as a matter of urgency.

Dáil Éireann 550 Written Answers. Schools Building Projects.

Questions

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