Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 4

Written Answers. - Carrick-on-Shannon (Roscommon) Community School.

John Connor

Question:

66 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed new community school for Carrick-on-Shannon, County Roscommon, scheduled to open for the commencement of the September 1994 school term will not now take place unless action is taken by her to ensure completion on time; and if she will ensure that such action is taken to avoid a situation where second level education at this centre may be unable to resume for two months after the official reopening date.

Edward Nealon

Question:

207 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education in regard to reports that the new community school in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, would be ready for September 1994, and working on this information, a board of management was formed and, on the advice of a Department of Education inspector, a principal and vice-principal were appointed and in spite of the fact that the Department of Education was advised by the Marist Sisters in June 1993, that Marymount College would not be available for September 1994, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Board of Management has now been advised that the completion date is not now due until 26 October 1994, with a further four to five weeks required for equipping; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the present position means that staff, pupils and parents do not know what accommodation will be available from September 1994, to cater for their needs and that this is an intolerable situation which will cause disturbance and inconvenience to the students, to progress with enrolment, and to the assimilation of the two schools; and if she will ensure that the necessary finances and resources are made available immediately to have the school ready for occupancy on 1 September 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 66 and 207 together.

The construction of the proposed new community school at Carrick-on-Shannon was originally scheduled for completion at the end of December 1994 and not the beginning of September 1994 as suggested by both Deputies. However, following negotiations with the contractor this completion date has been brought forward two months. Some further time will then be required to allow for the furnishing and equipping of the school.

I am very much aware of the concerns of the staff, pupils and parents in Carrick-on-Shannon in relation to the opening date of the new community school at Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, and I wish to assure the Deputies that although the new school will not be ready for occupation on 1 September 1994 every effort is being made to ensure that satisfactory alternative accommodation arrangements are in place for the commencement of the new school year.