I thank the Cathaoirleach for affording me the opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment. I am requesting the Minister for Education to approve the purchase of 4.75 acres of land at the rear of St. Fergal's college, Rathdowney, County Laois.
The land adjoins the school's existing sports field which is totally inadequate for the 395 pupils and 27 teachers in the college. The local councillor in Rathdowney, Councillor Mansfield, who is also a member of County Laois Vocational Education Committee, and a number of parents and teachers associated with the college contacted me to stress the importance of the purchase of this field for the college.
The Minister of State will be aware that the college has three hurling teams, three football teams, two camogie teams and three soccer teams. That means there are 11 teams sharing less than 2.5 acres of land. The school also has an excellent tennis court which is used by the people of the town throughout the summer. In addition, the school has an excellent basketball team. It is a school whose pupils have a great interest in sport. I hope the Minister of State will concede the importance of agreeing to this purchase.
I congratulate the students and staff on their successes to date. The hurling teams have reached two All-Ireland senior hurling finals, the footballers have won the County Laois Vocational Education Committee championship and reached advanced stages in the national championships while the camogie teams have been most successful. Next Sunday the school's basketball team competes in the All-Ireland under-15 semi-final. It is obvious, therefore, that sport is an important part of the school's activities.
The people of Rathdowney are anxious that the Minister for Education authorise the purchase of the adjoining land. At present the 11 teams must share the existing field which is inadequate. Other students who are not on the school teams but who want to participate in sport do not have the facilities to do so. There is insufficient room for both the teams and the other students who wish to participate in sport. From a social point of view, it is important that there are adequate recreational facilities in the school. The teaching staff are also anxious that the pupils remain on the school premises during recreational breaks. If the facilities are not available the students will have to wait around the school or around the town. In the interests of camaraderie and friendship among the pupils it is important that they remain on the school grounds. It would also give teachers the opportunity to motivate students and involve them in sport. An interest in sport that is generated during one's schooldays remains with one throughout one's life.
I understand that, before the Minister can sanction the purchase of the land, there must be a valuation of the site by the Valuation Office. Has the Minister contacted the Valuation Office to commission it to make the valuation? If she has and has not received a reply, will she contact that office again and ask it to expedite the valuation? I have also asked the Minister of State to receive a deputation from County Laois Vocational Education Committee to allow its members to advance their case. The Minister of State attended the opening of the extension of St. Fergal's and he was afforded the opportunity of seeing the site at first hand. The members of County Laois Vocational Education Committee and other public representatives who were present thought he showed a great interest in the school.
I hope the Minister of State will make every effort to expedite this purchase and to facilitate a meeting with the deputation.
