The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is in excess of €182 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation 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.
In relation to building the new Coláiste Cionn Torc at Castlepollard, County Westmeath, my Department has written to County Westmeath VEC on 15 April 2002 giving approval to proceed to tender i.e. stage 6 of design team procedures. Details of the level of funding required for this project, along with the projected timeframe for the commencement of construction work will be available at the conclusion of the tender process.