Denis Naughten
Ceist:778 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve funding for Aughrim national school, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8814/02]
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and 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.
Aughrim national school 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 expanded building programme.