asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that Cullohill national school, County Laois is closed because of its very bad condition; if his Department have advertised for tenders for a new school; if so, how many estimates were submitted in reply to the advertisement for tenders; the reason for the delay in taking a decision on this matter; and when work will commence.
Written Answers. - Laois National School.
287.
Tenders which were submitted by the architect for consideration by the Commissioners of Public Works were substantially in excess of my Department's cost-limit. The commissioners have had negotiations with the Rev. Chairman's consultants, on my instructions, with a view to achieving cost reductions and I understand that these negotiations were prolonged. A final bill of reductions was recently submitted by the commissioners for the consideration of my Department and has been agreed. The Rev. Chairman has been authorised to accept a tender as reduced by the bill of reductions.