Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1478: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of the funds allocated to the school building programme for 2008 which were drawn down by schools in order to pay for construction projects; the number of schools who were awarded funds for the school building programme but have been unable to use them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1104/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the last National Development Plan 2000 to 2006, my Department invested a total of €2.6 billion in school infrastructure. A further €4.5 billion is being invested under the current NDP 2007-2013. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation.

In 2008 my Department invested €643.978m, the maximum amount of capital funding available, on improving existing and providing new facilities at schools around the country. The construction period of the majority of major projects, approved by my Department, spans two calendar years involving funding being provided in two different financial years on one project. It is only when a project can be started and completed within a financial year that the full cost of the project can be drawn down within that year.