Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 2

Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.

John McGuinness

Question:

299 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate conditions at the boys' national school, Donaguile, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is an urgent need to carry out the refurbishment of staff and pupils' toilets, enlargement of two classrooms, development of the staff, office, remedial and medical rooms, window replacement in the entire school, the replacement of an oil-fired boiler and the boiler room to avoid flooding, attic insulation and roof timber treatment, the provision of a fire alarm, smoke detector, emergency lighting and security system to comply with health and safety requirements; if his Department will give urgent attention to these issues; if he will provide the funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The manager of Castlebar boy's national school, County Kilkenny, applied to my Department in November 1997 for grant assistant towards the cost of a range of capital improvement works at the school. My Department examined the application and subsequently advised the school authorities that it was not in a position to approve funding for the proposed scheme due to the level of existing contractual commitments and available capital funding.

In March 1998, my Department received a further application for grant assistance towards the cost of other improvement works at the school. The local Office of Public Works has been requested to furnish a report on the proposed works. When this report is received, a decision will be taken on the application in the light of the urgency of the works and available capital funding.