Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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201. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an extension of a school (details supplied); when he will provide funding for this to proceed, given that it is included in the major school building project list to proceed to construction in 2016; when he will progress the project through the tender process with a view to starting on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15657/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. All statutory approvals have been obtained and the Stage 2b submission has been approved by my Department.

However, on 1st January 2016 there were 66 major projects under construction. Since the start of this year 14 more major projects have been progressed to construction and there are currently 36 projects authorised to progress through the tender process with a view to starting on site in the coming months. That represents a total of 116 major projects either under construction or progressing to commence construction in 2016. The existing contractual commitments for 2016 now fully account for the funding allocation available in 2016.

My officials will continue to closely monitor expenditure on existing contractual commitments over the coming months and, as funding allows, other projects, including the project for Sancta Maria College will be considered for progression through the tender process with a view to starting on site as soon as possible.

My officials in the Planning and Building Unit will keep the school informed as they continue to monitor expenditure levels across the coming months.