Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am taking the adjournment debate on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline to the House the position with regard to the proposed building project for Springdale national school, Raheny, Dublin 5.

In September 2008, the Minister announced details of 25 major school building projects that are to go to tender and construction. As the Senator is aware, the proposed building project for Springdale was included in that announcement. The schools that were announced in September 2008 will provide permanent primary school places for over 4,500 students in five new and 15 extended and modernised schools. A further 3,600 students at post-primary level will benefit from one new school and four major extension and refurbishment projects. The project for Springdale involves the provision of a new six-classroom school on the existing school site. This development will ensure an appropriate learning environment for the pupils of the area for many years to come.

As the Senator will be aware, from February 2008 all major public capital works must use the new public works contracts and, accordingly, the school was informed that the tender documents for this project would have to be revised prior to proceeding to the invitation of tender. The revised tender documents have recently been received in the Department and once it is established that they are in order, the school will be authorised to progress to the invitation of tender.

Additionally, in January and February 2009, the Minister announced a further 53 projects that will be proceeding to site this year which, upon completion, will create more than 22,000 places by way of new schools, extensions to existing schools and refurbished schools. This year, a record €653 million will be invested in the school building programme. The 25 major projects which were announced in September to proceed to tender or re-tender and on to construction, along with the further 53 projects announced over the past seven weeks, represent a very significant amount of new business for the construction industry at a time of severe contraction in that sector. The more competitive environment in the construction sector will allow the Department to maximise the return for the capital resources invested in the school building programme. Our increased spend this year demonstrates the Government's desire to continue investing in the productive capacity of the economy, to create construction jobs and to provide school children and teachers with the best educational environment in which to learn and work.

In February 2009, the Minister also announced details of 25 major school building projects that are now to start architectural planning. The majority of these projects were previously approved in principle to enter architectural planning. These projects have been selected to start architectural planning now because, once completed, they will provide a significant number of extra permanent school places in areas where demographic demand is great. In addition to these major construction projects, the Minister will shortly reveal full details of this year's summer works scheme and a new plan to improve energy efficiency in schools.

I thank the Senator again for raising the issue of the school building project for Springdale national school and I am pleased both to be able to give him good news in regard to this particular project and to outline the extensive programme of work which will be carried out under the school building programme this year.