asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the serious situation which arises at Woodlands national school, Letterkenny, County Donegal where, because of the rapid expansion of the population, a new school is urgently needed to meet the large number of pupils attending the school; if she is aware of the dissatisfaction among parents and teachers in relation to the proposal to add an additional prefabricated classroom to accommodate the additional teacher in September and the growing anger concerning the deplorable conditions in the playground area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Letterkenny (Donegal) National School.
34.
I am aware that conditions at Woodlands national school, Letterkenny, County Donegal are not satisfactory arising in the main from substantial growth in the enrolments in the school in recent years. Proposals for a major permanent extension to the school are being considered in my Department and a decision in that respect will be conveyed to the school authorities as early as possible.
It is expected that an additional teacher will be appointed with effect from 1 September 1989. The most expendient way of providing urgent suitable accommodation for that teacher is a prefabricated classroom and the school authorities accept this. My Department will immediately set in train the technical arrangements for the provision of the prefabricated classroom.
I am aware that the existing playspace is generally unsatisfactory. My Department's professional advisers have been asked to report on this matter and when their report is to hand the question of the sanction of a grant will be fully considered and a decision will then be conveyed to the school authorities.