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Seanad Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 166 No. 4

Schools Refurbishment.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me raise this matter on the Adjournment. I welcome the Minister, who will respond to it. It relates to a rural school called Cooneal, which is located four or five miles to the north of Ballina. Over the years, many rural schools have been brought up to a very acceptable standard and this is much appreciated by everyone involved in education. Nevertheless, there still are substandard schools and they are a blot on the educational landscape. Unfortunately, Cooneal is a school that falls into that category. The Department is aware of the engineer's report on the school. There is a sense of urgency regarding the updating of its facilities.

People can become dismayed and cynical. Without dwelling on its merits or demerits, when parents in Cooneal hear of the £60 million allocation to Croke Park they ask the reason they cannot be given a few pounds to refurbish the school. That is a valid reaction, one that is becoming widespread in an area where there are deficiencies. In this era parents will not tolerate for much longer substandard conditions for their children.

I am sure the Minister of State will have positive news on what the Department has in mind for Cooneal in the immediate future. Given that we are approaching the summer recess it would be desirable that the work be completed during the break in order that by next winter the children of Conneal could return to a school that is warm and equipped with all the sanitary facilities which all children deserve in this day and age. Their parents deserve to see them in acceptable accommodation to help further their education. It is difficult enough to educate children without having to do so in unsuitable conditions. I shall not elaborate on the issue except to say that the matter is before the Department and I look forward to a positive response from the Minister of State. There is no reason this school in a rural community should not qualify for all the refurbishment grants available to raise it to an acceptable standard.

I am glad that the Seanad has given me the opportunity of outlining the current position on the provision of improved accommodation at Cooneal national school, Ballina, County Mayo. The school has a staffing level of one principal, two mainstream class teachers, a shared remedial and a shared resource teacher. The enrolment at 30 September last was 60 pupils. The school's facilities consist of four classrooms with sanitary facilities and ancillary accommodation.

An application for grant assistance towards the provision of a general purpose room and refurbishment of the existing building was received from the school management in April last. The long-term accommodation needs of the school have now been assessed and the Department has recently written to the school authorities in this regard. In view, however, of the large number of school building projects being dealt with by the Department and the anticipated level of funding, it is not possible to provide a timescale as to when the accommodation will be provided. The matter will be kept under review by the Department.

The project will proceed as quickly as possible having regard to existing commitments and priorities. The Department is fully committed to the provision of improved accommodation at Cooneal national school. I thank the Senator again for giving me the opportunity of outlining the position to the House. The file is very active.

The Seanad adjourned at 10.25 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 11 April 2001.

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