Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
619 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if arrangements will be made to acquire a site (details supplied) in Swords, County Dublin, which has been set aside for schools, in order that a portion of this site may be made available to a Gaelscoil which is operating in Swords for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10975/02]
Comment on this
The general position regarding site acquisition is that where such a development is considered necessary, arrangements are made by my Department to acquire the site. Purchase is subject to the availability of funding and the priority accorded to the project. In addition, my Department must be fully satisfied that the school's long-term viability is assured and permanent recognition must have been granted.
An application for permanent recognition of the school in question is currently being examined in the planning section of my Department. The assessment of the school's application is nearing completion and the school authorities will be advised of the outcome shortly.
Comment on this
620 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new building for Scoil Mhuire, Briarhill, Castlegar, County Galway; the reason there is such a delay in dealing with this matter since 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/02]
Comment on this
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the 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. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
As part of the Government's programme, a building project at St. Mary's national school, Briarhill, Castlegar, County Galway, is currently in architectural planning. Under the expanded building programme, the project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders as soon as possible.