108 Miss Fox asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans with regard to the provision of a sports hall at Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, County Wicklow, in view of the fact that this was sanctioned in the early 1980s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26251/00]

Plans for the construction of a PE hall, new science laboratories, specialist facilities and general classroom accommodation at Scoil Chonglais in Baltinglass are well advanced. Approval for the invitation of tenders has been issued to County Wicklow vocational education committee.

It is anticipated that a tender report will be submitted through County Wicklow vocational education committee in January 2001, following which the matter of placing a contract for this project will be decided. On the assumption that the tender process yields a favourable and reasonable outcome, it is envisaged that construction of the hall will begin in the first quarter of next year.