Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost per square foot of constructing school extensions and new school buildings in rural locations; the comparative cost to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23547/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A fundamental element of the building cost limits for all school building projects is the Basic Building Cost (BBC). The Basic Building Cost is expressed as a cost per square metre of the new build floor area. My Department keeps the Basic Building Cost under review in line with cost developments in the construction industry generally and the cost of school building projects in particular.

The current Basic Building Cost, effective from January 2011, is €930 per square metre, which equates to approximately €86 per square foot. This compares with the Basic Building Cost which applied in 2008 which was €1230 per square metre (approximately €114 per square foot).

The Basic Building Cost extant at any particular time applies to both urban and rural areas and applies equally to new build areas in extensions and new schools alike.

Other elements which can affect the overall cost of a school building project include External Works, Abnormal Costs and site acquisition costs. These elements can vary from site to site and from project to project.