1249 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science when the project for the build ing of the new VEC college on the northside of Drogheda will be completed; when the opening of this project will occur; the final cost of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/02]

The allocation for post primary buildings in 2002 is 182.3 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.

Because of 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.

On 8 May 2001 my Department sanctioned the construction of a new VEC school, St. Laurence's, for the North side of Drogheda, County Louth. The final cost of the project is expected to be in excess of 5 million and the project is expected to be complete in October 2002.