Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure the capital allocation required by a school (details supplied); if same can now be permitted to go to construction without any further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17569/16]

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 1 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 this school 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.