Vol. 501 No. 3
364 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, to deal with tenders for the old vocational school in Rathmore, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/99]
An application to dispose of the old vocational school building in Rathmore was recently submitted to the post-primary administration section of my Department by the County of Kerry Vocational Education Committee. Such requests are examined under various criteria but, in particular, as to whether or not the building will be required for further educational use.
In the case of Rathmore, it is intended to build a new national school to replace the existing boys school building. The existing site is unsuitable for a new school building because of its size, topography and poor drainage facilities. Strenuous efforts were made locally to acquire an alternative site, but this proved extremely difficult until recently when two possibilities emerged.
My Department considers it appropriate that the old vocational school building be retained until a site has been obtained for the new boys school. The chief executive officer of the vocational education committee has been notified accordingly.
