asked the Minister for Education if he has reversed the previous policy of providing a complete new vocational school at Trim Road, Navan, County Meath; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Navan Vocational School.
16.
The question of the erection of new vocational school buildings at An Uaimh is at present being considered by my Department in consultation with the County Meath Vocational Education Committee.
Is the Minister aware that the previous Government had decided that such a new vocational school would be provided at an extensive 16-acre site at Trim Road and that since he came to office the vocational education committee have received a communication to the effect that now the school will be provided on the present very restricted site?
In a letter received in the Department on 2nd April, 1976, the chief executive officer of the committee indicated that they wished to acquire a site on the Trim Road from Meath County Council. I presume the Deputy is referring to that. On completion of negotiations the purchase of the site was approved in April, 1977, as part of a package deal involving the purchase and sale of lands and the disposal of the old vocational school in Dunshaughlin.
Is the Minister not aware that a decision was taken by the previous Government to build the school on an extensive site and since he came into office the vocational education committee have been told that they must build the school on a small existing site which has inadequate provision for playing fields and provides no scope for the expansion of pupil numbers beyond the original projected estimate of 800 in a town where there are great prospects of an expanding population in the years ahead?
I believe the Deputy is right.
Has the Minister read the brief?
I have read it fully.
He does not show much acquaintance with what is involved.
I know exactly what is involved and I am stating that the question of providing an adequate vocational school in Navan is under active consideration in my Department.
Has the Minister an open mind as to whether the site will be the 16-acre site at Trim Road or the site in the centre of the town?
Yes.
I am very glad to hear it.