asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to sanction the plans for the extension to the Abbey Christian Brothers' secondary school, Tipperary town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Town School.
19.
A revised outline sketch scheme for the extension to Abbey CBS, Tipperary town, has recently been received in my Department and is at present under examination. It is anticipated that it may shortly be possible to approve the revised sketch scheme as a basis for proceeding to the next stage of planning, namely, the preparation of a developed sketch scheme.
Would the Minister give the House some indication when he will sanction the plans for the extension to the Abbey school, Tipperary town? Surely the Minister must be aware of the atrocious conditions under which pupils and teachers alike work in this school? I should like to bring to the Minister's attention that the local parents' association have gathered £37,000 as part of their contribution to this extension. Can the Minister give us a definitive answer here today when he will sanction the plans for this extension?
I have a great friend down there, Paddy McMahon, and I would not like him to be uncomfortable, so what I say here is that I will be able to approve the revised sketch scheme as a basis for proceeding to the next stage planning, namely the preparation of the developed sketch scheme. We are taking steps as quickly as possible towards building the extension.
Would the Minister give this problem his immediate attention and urge the planning section of his Department to go about the matter at once because there is great concern in Tipperary town at the undue delay?
I accept what the Deputy says. Unfortunately, however, there are Deputies all over the place asking for priority for the schools in their areas. We must have a balance of priorities but I will keep what the Deputy said in mind.