Vol. 548 No. 2
462 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will prioritise the building project for St. Mary's College, Ballisodare, County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the major health and safety problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4636/02]
The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The school to which the Deputy refers is to receive additional accommodation as part of the Government's programme. The school authorities recently accepted the schedule of residual accommodation to cater for a long-term projected enrolment figure of 500. Architectural planning will commence as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.
