Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputies for raising the issue of Springdale national school in Raheny. They will be well aware of the scale of investment that is going into school buildings this year. Under the national development plan, almost €4.5 billion will be invested in schools. That shows the commitment of the Government to continue its programme of sustained investment in primary and post-primary schools.

Springdale national school is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The proposed project will consist of the demolition of the existing school and the construction of a new six-classroom school of approximately 1,024 square metres, with a new ball court and children's play area, as well as the provision of temporary accommodation for the duration of the contract. We are working on our large-scale building projects on a phased basis, from initial design stage right through to construction. We obviously must take budget and other demands into account.

The list I announced earlier this year was only the list of schools that were immediately ready to go to construction. Since this school has not gone to tender yet, it did not qualify to be on that list. However, I will be making further announcements during the year on school projects. I assure the Deputies that I am fully committed to the new school building for Springdale national school.

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