asked the Minister for Finance if a decision has as yet been made as to the disposal of Coláiste Bhríde, Falcarragh, County Donegal; and if he is aware of the local dissatisfaction at the removal of the contents of the College without their having been offered for sale by public auction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Falcarragh (Donegal) College.
5.
The future use of this property is still under consideration. The Deputy is under a misapprehension as to the extent of the removal of the contents of the college. Only some items have, in fact, been removed to other colleges for the convenience of former pupils.
Is the Minister aware that there are seven CIE lorries at Coláiste Bhríde, Falcarragh, removing the desks and books which were badly needed in County Donegal? They have also removed sacred vestments from the premises. The Minister in reply to an earlier question mentioned that it cost £1,000 per year to keep this college vacant and idle. Is he further aware that the weeds are now growing around the fruit and vegetable trees, particularly around the fruit trees, and the place is becoming derelict? Is he further aware that substantial offers have been made for the premises but that no decision has yet been made in regard to this college which will become derelict in the very near future?
My information is that the assertions made by the Deputy are grossly exaggerated. As I have said, only small items have been removed. The bulk of the amenities and the effects in the college still remain. I have no knowledge of the extent to which weeds are growing around the college but I can assure the Deputy every effort is being made in regard to the disposal of this property.
Is the Minister aware that at least four extensions to convents and colleges are in progress in County Donegal and the desks and books were needed very badly for those premises? I have been informed for the past two years offers received for this college have been under the active consideration of the Department and will he now take up at least one of the offers which have been made for the premises?
I should like to repeat that the information I have is that only table linen, bed linen and some books have been removed from the college.
Some valuable books have been removed.
I can assure the Deputy that the disposal of the college is being sought in the best interests of the district.
Will the disposal be made in the near future?
I hope so.