The Education Minister says the re-development of Ennis National is "a high priority" for him.
It comes as design contracts for the project have just been signed which have been described as the most significant step in the ten year process to get the new building to date.
Work on the entrance site for the new development on the Kilrush road is already underway and construction proper is expected to get underway next year.
However Speaking on Clare Fm’s Morning Focus Minister Batt O Keeffe says he has made a commitment on the issue to Bishop of Killaloe Willie Walsh but has no definite date yet on funding for construction but should know by the Budget.