asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that the schoolhouse at Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon, is in an insanitary and dangerous condition and is wholly unsuitable for the purposes of a school; whether proposals for the erection of a new building to replace the existing one were made so long as twenty-five years ago; whether these proposals have been renewed on several occasions since but nothing has so far been done; whether it is a fact that a suitable site was given by the late Congested Districts Board some years ago, and, if so, if that site is still available; and whether, in view of the dangers incurred by pupils and teachers who attend this school, he will take steps to have the work of erecting a new school building in this district put in hand at the earliest possible opportunity.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BALLINTUBBER NATIONAL SCHOOL PREMISES.
The existing Ballintubber schoolhouse is reported to be unsuitable and the accommodation insufficient for the number of pupils in attendance.
A grant for the erection of a new schoolhouse was sanctioned some years ago and a lease of the site executed. The then manager was informed by the Board of Works that he could proceed with the erection of the building, but he was unable to obtain the services of a suitable contractor, and subsequently the erection of the schoolhouse had to be postponed owing to the general restrictions on expenditure on school buildings during the European war.
The site is still available, so far as this Department is aware.
The present manager has been asked whether he is in a position to proceed with the case. If a suitable tender be submitted by him this Department will be prepared to consider the question of sanctioning a supplemental grant of two-thirds of the additional expenditure which will be necessary in view of the present cost of building.
Mr. O'CONNELL
Assuming the manager does not take any action, or delays in taking action, will the Department take steps to see that action is taken to provide suitable accommodation for those children?
When that event arises, if the matter is brought to my attention I will see what can be done.
Mr. O'CONNELL
But there is evidence that there is already great delay on the part of somebody in having this work put into operation, and I would like to know whether the Minister has taken any action to speed up matters?
I cannot say at the moment, but I will inquire.