asked the Minister for Education the present position concerning the proposed new central school for Kilgarvan, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry School.
74.
Some time ago my Department sanctioned a grant towards the cost of erecting a new central school at Kilgarvan containing four classrooms. The case recently reached the stage in the Office of Public Works where tenders could be invited. However, as a result of a recent re-examination of the accommodation requirements, it has been found that five classrooms will be needed. This change of accommodation may cause some delay in the Office of Public Works as regards the invitation of tenders, but everything possible will be done to bring the arrangements at an early point to the stage when tenders for the larger building can be invited.
Will the Minister be a little more precise on this matter? If there was need for four rooms originally, is it not obvious that there will be even greater need for five? Will he give a clear indication when tenders for the five rooms will be invited?
It was only quite recently that the need for five rooms rather than for four emerged. There is a problem of getting the designs revised to take account of that change. I cannot say how long it will take but there is recognition of the fact that this project has dragged on for rather a long time and, in view of the urgent need to replace the existing unsuitable school, priority is being given to it. The Office of Public Works are aware of this. Although the change of plan will mean some delay, it should be minimal in view of the priority being given to it.