asked the Minister for Education the proposals his Department have for a new primary school at Ballyhaunis, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Schools.
39.
Mr. R. Burke
It is proposed to build a six-classroom block at Ballyhaunis, with provision for extension later if required which, with the convent school, will provide a central primary school for both boys and girls.
When is it proposed to build the school?
Mr. R. Burke
The final sketch plan has recently been accepted as suitable and the estimate is now in the course of being sanctioned. We will give it every possible priority. I am not in a position to say on precisely what date.
Is the Minister aware that the INTO are seriously thinking of taking action about this school?
Would he press to have this matter dealt with as urgently as possible?
Mr. R. Burke
I shall do so.
40.
asked the Minister for Education when work will commence on the erection of a new primary school at Swinford, County Mayo.
Mr. R. Burke
It has recently been decided to provide a new primary school for boys at Swinford comprising five classrooms instead of four classrooms as previously planned. The Office of Public Works have been asked to furnish revised plans and an estimate of cost for the larger school. When the new estimate is available my Department will sanction a grant towards the cost of erecting the new school and the further arrangements will proceed. I am unable to say at present when work will commence.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Is he aware of the conditions obtaining at the existing national school in Swinford? Is he also aware that work on the primary school was held up while the post-primary facilities in Swinford were being examined? Would he now seek to have the work on this school commenced as quickly as possible?
Mr. R. Burke
The case will be ready for sanction of a grant when the revised estimate is furnished by the Office of Public Works.