asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the pre-fabricated classroom at Ballinameela national school, Cappagh, County Waterford, is in an extremely dilapidated condition; and when he intends to sanction a permanent extension to this school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Schools.
20.
As stated in the reply of 19 March 1981 to the Deputy's previous question, it has been decided to extend Ballinameela national school, County Waterford, and the Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to prepare sketch-plans. It will be necessary to secure an extension to the school site to accommodate the building extension and the Rev. Chairman has been asked to acquire the necessary site extension.
With regard to the prefabricated classrooms my Department have sanctioned a grant towards the cost of improvements and repairs as recommended by the Commissioners of Public Works.
Assuming the manager gets the site, how soon does the Minister think work can commence on the permanent extensions?
As the Deputy is aware, there is then a whole sequence of activities. We must agree the plans and that involves a lot of toing and froing with the Office of Public Works, the school authorities and my Department. I would not like to put a precise date on it. It will be taken as quickly as circumstances permit. I am certainly not in a position to give a permanent date.
We all know from previous experience that it has taken up to 20 years for such a sequence of events to take place. I would like the Minister to pursue the matter because the school is in a desperate state at present.
I accept that. The Deputy can be assured that the matter will be dealt with as speedily as possible so far as my Department are involved.
21.
asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in sanctioning the erection of a new national school at Aglish, Cappoquin, County Waterford, to replace the present substandard structure.
As stated in the reply of 23 July 1981 to the Deputy's previous question, sketch-plans for the proposed new primary school at Aglish, County Waterford, were being prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works. I understand from the commissioners that these plans are nearing completion and are likely to be sent to my Department for consideration shortly.
Will the Minister take a personal interest in this school which is vastly overcrowded and unsuitable?
I accept what the Deputy says.
22.
asked the Minister for Education when it is intended to sanction the building of additional permanent classroom accommodation at Piltown national school, Kinsalebeg, County Waterford, to replace the present prefabricated classroom.
It is proposed to extend Piltown national school, County Waterford, by one permanent classroom and a general purposes room and a report from the Commissioners of Public Works on the feasibility of the proposal is awaited.
When is the report expected?
There is no reference to a precise date. The commissioners have been asked to furnish it at their earliest convenience.
Would the Minister ask the commissioners to give him a report at an early date?
I will.
23.
asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in replacing the substandard doors and windows in the national school at Crook, Passage East, County Waterford, and when the work will be carried out.
The Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to inspect the windows and doors at this school and to furnish a report and a recommendation for grant purposes. I understand from the Commissioners that they propose to visit the school at an early date. Until the Commissioners have completed their inspection and made their report and recommendation it is not possible to say when the work may be carried out.
24.
asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in paying grants to the management committee of the national school at Faithlegge, County Waterford, for the provision of storage heaters and the carrying out of repairs.
25.
asked the Minister for Education if he will agree to the replacement of the pre-fabricated classroom at Faithlegge national school, County Waterford, by a permanent extension to the school.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
On the recommendation of the Commissioners of Public Works a grant has been sanctioned towards the cost of installing thermal storage heating at Faithlegge national school. The grant will be paid by the Commissioners and I have asked that payment be expedited.
With regard to the question of repairs and improvement, I understand that the school authorities have had some improvements carried out and they have been authorised to carry out additional works. They have been advised that, on completion of the work and the submission of certified receipts, a grant will be paid by my Department.
The future accommodation needs of this area are being investigated by my Department's inspector at present. The replacement of the pre-fabricated classroom by a permanent building will be considered in the light of the report to be submitted by the inspector.