(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Education if he will explain the long delay in rebuilding the Model School, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Limerick Schools.
503.
The replacement of the Model School, Limerick, which was destroyed by fire has had to be considered in the light of the feasibility, desirability and the cost of restoring and maintaining the facade of the old building. Sketch-plans have been prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works to provide accommodation to modern standards in 14 new classrooms and ancillary accommodation to replace the buildings which were destroyed by fire. Costing have been prepared for this work based, both on the retention and restoration of the front section of the existing building, including the facade, and on the possible alternative of demolition of the existing building. The report from the commissioners will shortly be furnished to my Department and the further arrangements for the building of the school will be proceeded with as a matter of urgency following my Department's examination of this report.
504.
(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Education if he will explain the delay in proceeding with the seeking of tenders for the proposed new national school at Moyross, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The proposed new national school in Moyross, Limerick, had to be considered in the light of demand for national school places in Moyross and the availability of places in adjacent national schools. Following this consideration, it has been decided that the proposed new national school in Moyross should be built in two phases, the first phase to comprise eight classrooms, a general purposes room and ancillary accommodation.
Sketch-plans have been submitted to the Commissioners of Public Works by the chairman's architect and it is understood from the commissioners that the plans will shortly be sent to my Department for approval from an educational point of view. A grant will be sanctioned as soon as agreement has been reached with the chairman of the board of management on the amount of local contribution, based on the estimate of cost for the project.
The planning may then proceed to the working drawing stage as the title to the site has been accepted as satisfactory. It is not possible to state at this stage of the project when construction work may commence.