Vol. 382 No. 9
asked the Minister for Education the priority which is being afforded to the application for an extension to Ballymurn national school, County Wexford as it is ten years since the application was first lodged in her Department and the teachers and children are working in appalling conditions; and when it is expected to go for tender.
194.
asked the Minister for Education the arrangements which are being made by her Department to construct classroom facilities for a primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford; if her attention has been drawn to the Inspector's reports stating the poor condition of this school and the ten year application they have for an extension; if she will arrange for her officials to reply to letters from the board of management which remain unanswered; and if modified plans will be agreed for the extension, in order that construction can commence.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 194 together.
Because of the considerable pressure on the capital available to my Department for the national schools building programme, my Department have been unable up to the present time to allocate funds for the proposed extension to Ballymurn national school, County Wexford.
I am aware that conditions at this school are unsatisfactory. I have asked my Department to consider as a matter of urgency a recent request from the school authorities that a classroom of traditional construction be provided in replacement of the existing prefabricated classroom. I have also asked that the possibility be immediately investigated of grant-aiding any improvements to essential facilities such as toilets which are capable to being implemented in the current year.
I shall keep the Deputies informed of developments.
