Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Relocation.

Tony Gregory

Question:

56 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education the reason Scoil Chaoimhín, Marlboro Street, Dublin 1, is being relocated against the wishes of parents and teachers at a cost of £0.25 million at a time when there is serious under-budgeting of the primary school building programme.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Scoil Chaoimhín is a model national school which shares a campus with the Central Model Schools within an overall complex which also contains the main offices of my Department.

As a model school, the premises it occupies are owned and maintained fully by the State and managed by a board of management on behalf of the patron, the Minister for Education.

A programme is under way which will restore the Central Model School building. This programme also includes the refurbishment of the adjacent Colonade Building. The restoration of these two historic buildings for everyday use is a significnt contribution to the development of the inner city and is part of the rationalisation of the overall complex. It is proposed that the Central Model School will re-occupy its former premises and that Scoil Chaoimhín be relocated in the Colonade Building. Some relocation would be required in any event as the roof of the current premises will require attention.

Officials of my Department have met representatives of the school to outline the plans and have invited comments and suggestions on the details of the architectural planning. This liaison will continue as the proposals develop.