51 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the required finance for the extension and improvement to Lismullen national school, Garlow Cross, Navan, County Meath; and when this work will commence. [9208/02]

An architectural assessment of Lismullen national school, County Meath, has been carried out by my Department. This recommends the provision of five new classrooms in accordance with the Department's school planning guidelines, the provision of ancillary accommodation, and some refurbishment-conversion works. The existing site is deemed to be sufficiently large to cater for the additional accommodation.

The proposals for Lismullen national school will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents as soon as possible under the Government's expanded building programme. At this early stage, it is not possible to give any indication of the likely timescale for the various stages up to the completion of construction. However, every effort will be made to keep delays to a minimum.