asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that in the ex-soldiers' settlement at Killester, Co. Dublin, there are upwards of 500 children, who are nearly two miles from the nearest school, and whether he will take steps to provide a school for these children.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KILLESTER SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS.
It appears that there are nearly 500 children of school-going age in the Killester area, of whom nearly 300 are at present attending the neighbouring schools at Clontarf, Artane, Raheny, Green Lanes, Howth Road, Marino, and various schools in the city.
Apart from Green Lanes and Howth Road National Schools, the attendance of these children at the neighbouring National Schools has had the effect of considerably overcrowding these schools, whilst a large number of children from this area are not, so far, attending any school. There is undoubtedly necessity for the erection of a suitable school in the Killester neighbourhood.
Such a school, if built for, say, 500 children, would, under present conditions, cost £12,000 or upwards, one-third of which, say, £4,000, would, under the regulations, have normally to be borne by the locality, the balance, £8,000, being provided by the State.
The difficulty in the matter will be understood when it is considered that this balance of £8,000 represents one-third of the total grants which the Ministry of Finance consider could be allowed for the current financial year for the erection of schools under the jurisdiction of the Free State. The question, however, as to what can be done for the school children in this growing area is at present under consideration.
Arising out of that answer, may I ask the Minister if he is aware that there is a free site available for a school in this village? No land would be required.
I am very glad to hear that.