Theresa Ahearn
Question:227 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to provide the extension to Ballyneale national school, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Tipperary Schools Prospects.
The preparation of a sketch plan for the approved extension to Ballyneale national school, County Tipperary is well advanced and this will be completed at the earliest possible date. The sketch plan will then be sent to the school authorities to enable them to seek local authority planning permission on receipt of which tender documents will be put in hands.
I am not in a position, at this stage, to say when building works will commence.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:228 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to provide the extension to Ardfinnan national school, County Tipperary, in view of the present unacceptable working conditions and overcrowding; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the situation in relation to Ardfinnan national school, County Tipperary and I have, therefore, approved a permanent extension of four classrooms and a scheme of essential improvements to the school. A sketch plan for the project will be completed at the earliest possible date and will then be sent to the school authorities to enable them to seek local authority planning permission.
I am not in a position, at this stage, to say when building works will commence.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:229 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the nature and extent of the repairs proposed for Thomastown national school, County Tipperary; when the essential repairs will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Following consultation with the District Office of Public Works my Department have a scheme of works at Thomastown national school, County Tipperary.
The District Office of Public Works will give the necessary advice to the school authorities at the earliest possible date to enable them to have the works carried out.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:230 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she will provide finance for essential repairs, painting and equipment for Kilsheelan national school, County Tipperary, due to the present severe financial position in which the board of management finds itself in trying to meet the normal day-to-day running of the school on the capitation grant in force at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The contract for the permanent extension to Kilsheelan national school, County Tipperary was recently placed. This extension will contain two standard classrooms and a staff room. My Department have not received any application from the school authorities for grant-aid towards the cost of additional works. The Rules for National Schools stipulate that routine upkeep and maintenance are the responsibility of the board of management.
Works of an improvement nature are eligible for capital grant and any application in this regard from the Kilsheelan school authorities will be considered in the normal way having regard to the available capital and the advice of my Department's professional staff.