asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the urgent need for national schools in the Ballyphehane area of Cork City; and, if so, if he will state what steps have been taken or will be taken to satisfy the need.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City National Schools.
I am aware of the need for the provision of new national schools in the Ballyphehane area of Cork City.
On the recommendation of the local committee representative of the various interests concerned which has been set up to advise the Department in regard to school requirements in this and other new housing areas of the city, the Department has approved of the erection of new schools in the area for infants, senior girls and senior boys.
A suitable site has been offered for the infants' and senior girls' schools and plans of the schools, which will be in the one building, are being prepared by the reverend manager's architect. When these plans have been submitted to and approved by my Department and the Commissioners of Public Works and when other necessary preliminary arrangements have been made, a grant will be sanctioned towards the cost of erecting the new schools.
A site has been offered for the new senior boys' school and the question of its suitability is being investigated. If this site is regarded as suitable, the commissioners will be asked to arrange for the preparation of sketch plans. Certain other arrangements will require to be completed before my Department will be in a position to sanction a grant towards the cost of the new school.
The need for new infants' and senior girls' national schools at Ballyphehane is particularly urgent, and while the preliminary arrangements for the erection of the school will inevitably take a considerable time to complete, every effort will be made to have the case expedited.