asked the Minister for Education what is the cause of the delay in commencing the building of a new technical school at Carndonagh, and when building operations are likely to start.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Technical School.
The delay in authorising County Donegal Vocational Education Committee to proceed with the building of a new technical school at Carndonagh is concerned with the limited funds which can be made available in the current financial year for the purpose of providing such schools. As I see the position at the moment, the Carndonagh project cannot be fitted into the capital programme earlier than April, 1957.
Am I to take it that this school will not go on as was promised some few years ago and that we must await money from some quarter? Was that what the Minister really intended to convey?
The situation has nothing to do with any promise given. I am concerned with quite a large problem that arises in connection with going ahead with a number of schools because of the limitation that I find imposed upon me in regard to capital, which is imposed generally. As I see it at the present moment, I cannot see that it can be fitted into our capital programme earlier than April, 1957. If the clouds clear in the near future, it might be possible to review the situation.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware of the serious position that may arise because of the fact that the school now functioning in the Town Hall of Carndonagh may shortly be without premises? If this new school does not go up soon, we will find that the centre will be wiped out.
I understand the difficulties under which the school in Carndonagh has been working for a long time. I understand the splendid work being done there and the splendid use being made of the school, and I can assure the Deputy that these matters are fully in my mind when I am looking in various directions to see how we can help the Carndonagh people to get their new school at the earliest possible moment.