asked the Minister for Education if a final decision has yet been reached regarding the provision of adequate post-primary education facilities in the town of Ballyshannon, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyshannon Post-Primary Education.
21.
Mr. R. Burke
It has been agreed that the temporary accommodation at the vocational education committee school should be replaced by permanent buildings and a feasibility study is to be undertaken by my Department's building unit in relation to where the new buildings should best be sited.
The long-term development of the school facilities for the area is envisaged as being on the basis of a two school situation—a voluntary secondary school and a vocational education committee school working in close co-operation.
I am afraid I did not catch the early part of the Minister's reply. I take it that no decision has yet been arrived at despite the fact that this matter has been under consideration for a considerable period and that various discussions and negotiations have taken place. Has any progress been made in this matter?
Mr. R. Burke
The first part of the reply was that it has been agreed that the temporary accommodation should be replaced by permanent buildings.
What temporary buildings at what school?
Mr. R. Burke
The vocational education committee school.
Has any real progress been made in the overall planning for post-primary education which is the main objective?
Mr. R. Burke
The provisions which we will make for the expansion of the vocational school will be suitable for that school. The site we are looking for adjoins the Convent of Mercy School and we hope that the accommodation can be provided there. In the meantime, we will make temporary accommodation available at the vocational school on its present site pending the overall development of the centre.
How will the Minister provide this temporary accommodation since the site is totally and completely taken up by buildings both permanent and temporary. Has the strip of land adjoining the vocational school been acquired or is it proposed to acquire it? I cannot see where any additional buildings can be put other than out in the road.
Mr. R. Burke
A feasibility study is to be undertaken by the Department's building unit in relation to where the new buildings should be sited. It is a choice between the two options I have mentioned: acquisition of a site adjoining the school or acquisition of a larger site near the Convent of Mercy School.
I am afraid we are somewhat at cross purposes. Has any progress been made with regard to the feasibility study or has it even been commenced? I understood that it had been commenced a considerable time ago. This was anticipated generally about two years ago.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not know what the Deputy may have anticipated but at present the site is restricted and arrangements are being made for the feasibility study I mentioned.
Will the Minister adopt the same principle with regard to the school at Muine Beag as he is obviously adopting in the case of the school at Ballyshannon?
The Deputy is bringing in new matter.
Different principles in different places.