I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter. The Minister visited the Christian Brothers secondary school in Midleton recently and was welcomed by students and staff. It is an excellent school with excellent results and hardworking staff. However, as the Minister saw during his visit, the school is in urgent need of refurbishment.
The heating system broke down before Christmas and it was thought the school would have to close but everybody soldiered on. However, it was discovered that there is major under floor corrosion in the school and that must be dealt with. The two prefab buildings which were erected in 1979 are falling apart. The school is operating at full capacity and needs additional classrooms particularly given projections that 10,000 extra houses will be built in the catchment area within the next 20 years.
We have just had a debate on science. This school is badly in need of a new science laboratory for chemistry. The two existing laboratories are in urgent need of refurbishment to bring them to modern standards of efficiency and safety. There is concern about the safety of the laboratories at present. In 1979 an application was made to the Department for replacement of windows in the main block. They are in an advanced state of decay and are in danger of falling out. But for the caretaker's work they would have fallen out long ago, possibly resulting in injury to a student, teacher or staff member.
A new staff room and administration meeting rooms are required. Internal refurbishments are badly needed. The Minister saw during his visit how urgently they are required. Furniture, equipment, floor coverings, ceiling panels, window blinds and so forth must be refurbished. Internal refurbishment is urgently needed as the Minister saw for himself when he visited the school. Furniture, equipment, floor covering, ceiling panels, window blinds etc., must all be replaced. The school is literally falling down. The driveway and car park are also in need of renovation, as is the basketball court. I acknowledge the departmental approval for the provision of a new PE hall this year but the entire project is being delayed due to a lack of movement from the Department.
I am aware that the departmental staff are under pressure and are doing their best but I appeal to the Minister, on behalf of the staff, the students and their parents, to progress this matter urgently. I urge him to provide funding to allow the much needed work at the school to proceed. I understand there are some concerns in regard to future enrolments in the schools in the area but projected housing figures show that at least 10,000 additional houses will be built in the immediate catchment area within the next 20 years. I am sure the Minister does not intend to close down the school which has a current enrolment of 450 students. Those students deserve the best but are not getting it.
