Vol. 548 No. 2
466 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received in his Department for the renovation and extension of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; the stage the application is at; and when it is expected that approval will be given to proceed to tender stage. [4733/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Since the Government came into office, there has been a great increase in the level of activity in the area of primary school building. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction, which has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The school referred to by the Deputy is being extended-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and the project is currently in architectural planning. Under the expanded building programme, it will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible.
