Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - Drogheda (Louth) Vocational Education Committee College.

Michael Bell

Question:

57 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education when she will give sanction to the purchase of a site on the north side of Drogheda, County Louth, for a new vocational education committee college; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that sanction was given in the year 1985 and was subsequently withdrawn; if her attention has been further drawn to the overcrowding at the old St. Laurence College which is no longer suitable to cope with the present and estimated student population; if her Department is paying for outside accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware that the condition of the St. Laurence's College premises is less than satisfactory and that additional accommodation has to be rented to cater for the current enrolment. I am also aware that sanction was given in the 1980s and subsequently withdrawn for the purchase of a site by the Vocational Education Committee with a view to replacing the St. Laurence's school building.

Officials from my Department visited Drogheda to assess the overall accommodation situation in the schools in the centre including St. Laurence's College. A report on the centre has been drawn up and is under consideration. I expect that this will be completed shortly and than I will be in a position to make a statement on the matter.