The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997. In view of 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.
St. Columba's comprehensive school is to receive additional accommodation as part of the Government's programme and is currently at stage four-five – detail design and bill of quantities – in architectural planning. This submission is currently being examined by my Department's staff. When this analysis is complete the question of inviting tenders will be considered under the expanded building programme.