Charles Flanagan
Question:180 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension of Newtown school, Crettyard, County Laois; and when building will commence. [9611/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, a record level of funding which demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation 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 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.
Newtown national school, Crettyard, County Laois is being 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 Government's expanded building programme.