Vol. 550 No. 4
805 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will sanction the seeking of tenders in relation to the provision of a new school for Rathmore national school, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8896/02]
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.
Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since the Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
Rathmore national school is being extended-refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
