John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am in no way suggesting shortcuts should be taken or that we should not comply fully with regulations and planning law. However, it is interesting that of the 70 major schools building projects at stage 2b, seven have been at that stage for a year, 19 for two years, 19 for three years and nine for five years. What is going on that these they are taking so long to get through stage 2b? The particular concern school principals raise with me is whether priority is being given to new builds rather than to substantial refurbishments. It is causing significant difficulty where schools avoid availing of summer works or upgrading notwithstanding their poor condition and this is going on year after year. Capital expenditure in the Department of Education and Skills is ahead of profile. Is that a contributing factor?

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