394 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the extension by Craanford national school, Craanford, Gorey, County Wexford, is included in the Estimates of 2002. [4186/02]

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 the accommodation situation 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.

A building project at Crannford national school 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.

395 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for a school extension at Creenkill National School, Gathabawn, County Kilkenny, via Thurles; if plans submitted by a company (details supplied) have been approved by his Department; and if sanction will be given for the next stage. [4187/02]

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.