Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 261: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has reorganised the spending proposals for national school capital works in schools outside of the Dublin area; if she is proposing to delay the allocation of capital funds to schools outside of Dublin for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3918/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced on 1 February the first tranche of projects to proceed to construction in 2008. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 new primary schools in rapidly developing areas, being planned to be in place by next September. In all, 21 counties outside of Dublin have been included in the list.

This is the first tranche of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. It is my intention to make a further announcement after Easter to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery on developing areas.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 262: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the funding status of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick, including dates for which the new building program is expected to be sanctioned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3919/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project.

The school to which the Deputy refers is not included in that announcement. However, I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out. The next announcement will occur after Easter.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 263: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the schools that have been allocated funding for 2008 capital works; the time-frame for the allocation of those funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3920/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced on the 1st February the first tranche of projects to proceed to construction in 2008. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 new primary schools in rapidly developing areas, being planned to be in place by next September. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities of the 18 large scale projects over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project.

This is the first tranche of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. The immediate task is to ensure that the projects in this first phase are advanced to construction immediately to ensure delivery of the maximum number of school places in order to meet the increased school population. With almost €600 million to be spent this year on school building projects we need to manage the projects on a rolling basis throughout the year in order to deliver the best outcome for our investment. It is my intention to make a further announcement after Easter to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.