Vol. 397 No. 1
112 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding a much needed extension to Davitt College, Castlebar, County Mayo which has been under consideration for some time; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Architectural planning of this extension has reached stage 3 (developed sketch scheme) of my Department's design team procedures. In common with all other capital projects, the extension to Davitt College is currently being reviewed in the context of projected pupil enrolments in both the short and long-term. When this review is completed a decision will be made in regard to the status of the project.
113 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the additional rooms for St. Brendan's College, Belmullet, County Mayo which was requested in June of 1989; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The application made by County Mayo Vocational Education Committee in June last for the provision of two prefabricated classrooms at the school in question was not approved by my Department. It is considered that the school has adequate accommodation for its current enrolment.
114 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the long awaited extension to Westport Vocational School, County Mayo; the reason action on the proposed extension has been suspended in view of the fact that stage 4 was agreed in 1988 and in view of the fact that her Department had agreed to proceed with accommodation for 225 pupils in 1986; if her attention has been drawn to the enrolment figure of 211 for 1989-90; and if she will give this project authorisation to proceed forthwith.
As I indicated in my reply to a question from the Deputy on 16 November 1989, this project was being reviewed in the context of the overall level of provision in the town, the long-term accommodation requirements of the catchment area and the latest statistical data. It would appear that the existing permanent accommodation in the post-primary schools in the centre is sufficient to cater for the long-term needs of the catchment area. The question of the provision to be made for the short-term requirements of the centre is being examined at present in my Department.
