asked the Minister for Education when his Department propose to provide water for Derrada national school, Newport, County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Mayo Schools.
67.
My Department have recently received a report from the Commissioners of Public Works regarding the provision of running water at Derrada national school, Newport, County Mayo. Because of the Comparatively small amount involved, it is proposed to sanction a grant very shortly towards the cost of connecting the school to a local group water scheme.
68.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that Carrowkennedy national school, Westport, County Mayo is in a deplorable condition; and if his Department will make funds available immediately to have the school building improved and water and sewerage provided.
An application was made to my Department to have certain works of improvement, including the enlargement of one of the classrooms, carried out to this school which was erected in 1906. The Commissioners of Public Works who were asked for a recommendation in the matter have reported that the school is substandard, the site very restricted, and that upgrading of the premises would not be justified.
Carrowkennedy national school is a two-teacher school and the Deputy may be aware that, in a statement which I made in the Dáil in October, 1973, I said that grants would not in future be made for extensive reconstruction or improvement of oneteacher or two-teacher schools. I regret that I am not in a position to sanction a grant for the improvements proposed for Carrowkennedy national school. I would, however, be prepared to consider the question of allowing a grant towards the cost of such works as might be deemed essential for the continued operation of the school over a short period of years. I am arranging that the Commissioners of Public Works will advise my Department in that regard. regard.