asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to commence construction of the extension to Rosses community school, Dungloe, County Donegal.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Schools.
14.
Planning of the proposed extension to Rosses community school is proceeding. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence.
Is the Minister aware that it is necessary now to use four pre-fab structures at Rosses community school? Is there any indication as to when work on the extension will commence?
I am aware that the school in question was provided to cater for 350 students but that the number on the roll has now reached 471. I am aware, too, of the circumstances to which the Deputy refers but the architectural planning of the project is at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that all stages of that will be completed by summer, 1983. The question of when the project may proceed to tender will then be considered in the light of available capital funds for 1983 and of other commitments and priorities.
Will the Minister give an assurance to do his utmost in regard to having the project put forward for tender within a short time of the plans being completed?
Much as I should like to give a categorical assurance on that, it is not possible to do so because the matter will have to be examined in the light of a number of other factors in the context of whether at that stage it should be allowed go to tender. However, I will consider the Deputy's request.
Will the Minister do his utmost to have the matter put to tender as soon as possible?
In referring to commitments and priorities, is the Minister referring to Donegal specifically or to the overall situation?
I am talking of commitments and priorities in the overall context.
15.
asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to provide a sports hall and playing pitch at Gweedore community school, County Donegal.
The question of the provision of an extension to Gweedore community school which would include the provision of physical education facilities is at present the subject of discussions between my Department and the board of management. The question of the development of the playing fields is also being considered. My Department are at present awaiting proposals from the board of management in the matter.
16.
asked the Minister for Education if she plans to renovate and extend Dore national school, County Donegal.
Sketch plans for the extension of Dore national school, County Donegal, were approved in December last and the Chairman was so informed on 22 December 1982.
Is the Minister aware that conditions in this school are among the worst in the country and that we in Donegal always seem to have the worst so far as schools are concerned? In these circumstances can the Minister give an assurance to do everthing in his power in regard to having work on the extension commenced at the earliest date possible following the completion of the preparation by the Department of the plans concerned?
I would not dispute the Deputy's claim as to the bad condition of the school. We are in communication with the chairman of the board of management and at the moment the ball is in his court. As soon as I have additional information I shall be in a position to consider the matter further.