Vol. 482 No. 3
379 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that Cobh Urban District Council have made a site available on which it is hoped to construct a new building to have Gaelscoil Sheáin Úi Éigeartaigh in view of the fact that the site will not be available for much longer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/97]
380 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the condition of the building which houses Gaelscoil Sheáin Úi Éigeartaigh in Cobh, County Cork; his views on whether it is suitable in the long-term to continue to house the school in this building; if not, the plans, if any, his Department has to provide a new or alternative premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17831/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
Gaelscoil Sheáin Uí Éigeartaigh is currently located in the former vocational school premises which are being rented from County Cork vocational education committee. I accept this accommodation is unsuitable for long-term use or development and that alternative permanent accommodation is required.
Generally, there are two options for the provision of such accommodation. One option would be to secure existing school accommodation which has become surplus to requirements due to falling enrolments. The other option would be to provide a new school building on a new site.
The Gaelscoil authorities have identified a site which is owned by Cobh Urban District Council and have requested my Department to purchase this site in order to construct a new school building thereon. Before agreeing to proceed with this option, however, there is an onus on my Department to establish whether there is surplus existing school accommodation which could be made available for use by the Gaelscoil. This possibility is being actively pursued at present. My Department is in contact with Cobh Urban District Council on this matter.
