Vol. 552 No. 1
626 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in Scoil Mhuire, Briarhill, Castlegar, County Galway, in relation to the provision of a new school, to meet the needs of the teachers and pupils, currently located in overcrowded and unsafe conditions at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11059/02]
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 St. Mary's national school, Briarhill, Castlegar, County Galway, 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.
