171 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a sports hall at Firhouse community college, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12733/02]

A PE hall is being provided at Firhouse community college, Dublin. The project is at stage 4/5 in architectural planning. It will continue to the next stage as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.

172 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a new school by the Gaelscoil in Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12734/02]

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 4 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 in respect of the school in question 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 it is possible to do so, under the expanded building programme.