asked the Minister for Education if he has seen reports of a school strike at Milverton national school, Skerries; if so, if he will make a statement in connection with the condition of the school buildings, indicating the date on which this school was erected, the number of pupils attending the school, the nature of the sanitary arrangements, and whether plans for improvements are under consideration; and if he will give details of the proposed improvements, including the estimated cost, and the likely date on which the improvement works are expected to commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milverton (Skerries) National School.
108.
I have been seen the Press reports about the withdrawal of pupils from Milvertaon national school, Skerries, Co. Dublin. This school, which was erected about 58 years ago, has two classrooms accommodating 64 pupils. The average attendance is 55. The premises are structurally sound but one of the classrooms is too small. The sanitary accommodation consists of dry closets and is unsatisfactory. A plan has been prepared for the extension of the schoolhouse and site and for the carrying out of general works of improvement including the provision of water flushed sanitation, cloakrooms, new widows, floors and ceilings, concrete paths, playspaces and playshelters.
My Departments has sanctioned a grant towards the cost of the proposed scheme. The estimated cost of the scheme is £3,670.
As a number of other preliaminary matters must be dealt with before buildings operations can commence, I am not at present in a position to state when the work will begin. I understand, however, that the well required for the water-flushed sanitation has already been sunk.
Would the Minister indicate the approximate date on which the work of expansion and reconstruction will commerce?
It is in the hands of the Commissioners of Public Works at the moment. I would not be able to give that information. Since the Deputy asked the Question in the context of a strike, I should like to point out that there is a very large school building programme in hands. The best results will be achieved by an orderly working out of that programme. Strikes are, for the most part, an attempt to jump the queue and result only in the holding up of the main programme.