466 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the long delay in giving approval to the extension at Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/02]

The stage 4/5 – detail design-bill of quantities – for the extension project at Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan, County Dublin has been cleared by my Department's building unit. The question of authorising the school authority to invite tenders is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed as soon as possible.

467 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding and the poor state of Killimor national school, Ballinasloe, County Galway; if he will give a commitment to build a new school for Killimor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9692/02]

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.

A building project for Killimor national school, Killimor, Ballinasloe, County Galway, is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

468 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of Gairm Scoil Mhuire, Thurles, County Tipperary, a designated disadvantaged school, on the list for the building of a gymnasium and canteen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9693/02]

The provision of an extension at Gairm Scoil Mhuire, Thurles, County Tipperary, which will include a PE hall of 608 square metres and a dining area and servery is currently under consideration by officials from the building unit of my Department. When a final decision is reached the school authority will be notified.