544 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building plans for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [7441/02]

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.

Because of 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.

My Department expects to be in a position during this year to give detailed consideration to an application from the school in question for improved accommodation as part of the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be informed of developments.