Vol. 552 No. 1
624 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science in view of the urgent need to acquire the site for a new school for the gaelscoil in Wicklow Town, his views on sanctioning of the acquisition; the start-up date for construction of the school; the proposed completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11027/02]
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 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. This has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
As part of the Government's programme, a building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is currently in architectural planning. Under the expanded building programme, the project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders as soon as possible.
