I tabled a parliamentary question about this matter on 20 February. In his reply, the Minister stated that his Department would determine whether the refurbishment of the existing building or the provision of a new building was the better option for the school when stage one – site suitability and options – was prepared. Has stage one in the process been reached in order that a decision on the matter can be made?
The Minister is aware that the refurbishment cost is conservatively estimated at £2.2 million and that a new school would cost £3.5 million. Clifden could have a new school for £1.5 million extra and still have use of the old building for the school and the community. The school was built for 350 pupils but there are now 468 in attendance. The original school building of 20,400 sq. ft. was one sixth less than the standard required at the time.
The school has problems relating to space, classrooms, circulation, the lack of social and dining areas for pupils, health and safety issues and staff accommodation, both social and professional. It needs to be evaluated not only from the perspective of the physical structure, but also from the perspective of its educational adequacy. The board believes this aspect has been neglected in the evaluations to date.
The board notes the architect states that the circulation problems will not be fully solved in any renovation. The principal sources of the problem are the current corridors and single stairwell linking the two floors. Extending the corridor at the library end through room six to a fire escape would mean that the room, which is already substandard in size, could lose approximately 10 square metres. A similar extension proposed on the lower floor leading to the proposed new entrance would create similar difficulties. The preliminary initial budget allows little for significant structural alterations. It allows £8,000 for new altered internal partition walls and only £70,000 for upgrading and altering the selected rooms. The conversion of the current metalwork and woodwork room to four classrooms is proposed and new rooms for metalwork and construction are proposed as part of an extension.
The obvious solution is for the Department to sanction the building of a new school. The Minister recently met a deputation from the school which, undoubtedly, made a strong and valid case for a new school. Unfortunately, although I am a Deputy for the area and have campaigned on the issue, I was not informed of the deputation. The Government has adopted this practice. I understand the deputation was arranged by the Minister, Deputy Fahey. When my party was in Government Ministers always notified Oireachtas Members with an interest about the arrival of deputations. That practice should be resumed.
Clifden is the capital of Connemara and it caters for pupils from a wide catchment area. It deserves a new modern school given that the economy is vibrant and the budget is in surplus. It must have one. I am sorry the Minister for Education and Science is not present. I presume he met the deputation. I appeal to the Minister of State to answer my parliamentary question of 20 February inquiring if any decision has been made. I also ask him to convey to the Minister how essential it is that a new community school is sanctioned for Clifden.
