asked the Minister for Education when his Department hopes to build a new vocational school at Newbridge, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare School.
1.
I have authorised the County Kildare Vocational Education Committee to commence the physical planning of a new vocational school at Newbridge.
The start of the actual work will depend on what capital may be available when the tender documents are ready.
Is the Minister aware that the saga of this school is going on since 1961, that the school serves the largest population area in Kildare and the present school is absolutely unfit? Is he also aware that the pupils in that area have to go to Naas to complete their studies? Are plans ready and will funds be made available this year?
The provision of a new vocational school for 500 pupils—300 boys and 200 girls—has been approved. I agree with the Deputy that the existing accommodation is unsuitable. The purchase of a site of ten acres for a new school has been approved and the transaction is understood to be in the course of completion by the VEC and the vendors. A schedule of accommodation for the new school has been agreed by the VEC. The school has been so planned that it will be erected in two phases of building with provision for 400 pupils in the first phase, the balance to be provided, when it become necessary, to increase the capacity to 500.
Is the Minister aware that at the vocational committee meeting last Monday the architects submitted sketches and drawings of the layout and that everything possible is being done by Kildare VEC to advance this project? A view has been expressed that, even with the best will in the world on all sides, it would be impossible to start building this year. Can the Minister give us an assurance that financial provision will be made for this school next year and that the urgency shown by Kildare VEC will be reciprocated by the Department?
If they get their plans up to the Department— they have not yet been received—and if the Deputy comes back with a question like that I will be able to answer him.