Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 709: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of the projects announced on 1 February, 2008 that have commenced construction; the number expected to be fully completed by September, 2009; if he will provide a progress report on the outstanding projects not commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28957/08]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 710: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of the €600 million allocated to school building projects in 2008 that has been paid out to date; the number of projects completed under the 2008 programme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 709 and 710 together.

On 1st February last 18 large-scale projects were announced to proceed to tender and construction. The projects to be provided in rapidly developing areas in 2008 were also announced at the same time. Of those 18 large-scale projects, 12 are currently on site with the remainder due to go to construction as soon as possible. It is anticipated that 15 of these projects will be completed by September 2009, with the remainder as soon as possible thereafter.

The Developing Areas Unit is advancing the delivery of 26 new school buildings and a number of smaller-scale projects which are planned to be in place for September 2008. These projects are being delivered in areas which have been identified as areas of rapid population growth. My predecessor announced the details of the individual projects in February. To deliver its 2008 programme, the Developing Areas Unit has been working closely with relevant Local Authorities on the acquisition of sites and on general pre-planning issues. 50% of the capital budget of almost €600m for 2008 had been expended on school infrastructure at the end of June 2008. Of the total number of large-scale projects under construction at the beginning of the year, 33 have reached practical completion stage.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 713: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the school building projects being delivered in co-operation with Fingal County Council; if his Department has fulfilled all of its financial obligations to the council under this agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28961/08]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 735: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the Fingal school model agreement; the stage of development schools planned under the agreement have reached; when it is expected projects under the agreement will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28983/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 713 and 735 together.

To date, my Department has, or is currently in the process of acquiring a total of 8 sites in the Fingal County Council administrative area. The sites in question range in size from c.4 acre sites for primary schools to c.10 acre campus sites for primary and post-primary schools. However, due to the commercial sensitivities attached to site acquisitions it would not be appropriate for me to provide information on the cost of these sites at the present time. Payments are made as appropriate to the Fingal County Council.

For the new academic school year commencing September 2008 the Department is providing a number of new school buildings in Fingal as follows: Three new school buildings for new schools commencing in 2008 in Skerries, Swords and Phibblestown; Five new school buildings for existing schools in Balbriggan (3), Porterstown (1) and Lusk(1), four of which are currently in temporary accommodation and one of which is on a restricted site; One new school building for an existing school in Tyrellstown on its existing temporary site which is shared with another school.

Provision of further schools under the Fingal School Model Agreement is on-going and the acquisition of further sites will be progressed commensurate with demand for school places in Fingal.