66 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide funding for the improvement of safety at Peterswell national school to provide off-road parking and set-down facilities at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9185/02]

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. 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.

The proposed building and improvement project at Peterswell national school will proceed to architectural planning, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

67 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the extension and refurbishment needed at Abbey national school, Loughrea, County Galway. [9182/02]

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.

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 proposed building project at St. Feichin's national school, Abbey, Loughrea, County Galway, will proceed to architectural planning, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.