I welcome the Minister of State. I raise the matter of Balbriggan community college in the context of the asbestos management programme. The college was opened in 1984. Up until September last year, it was the only secondary school providing an education for boys in Balbriggan and surrounding areas. It is a co-educational school. Up until then, the only other secondary school in Balbriggan was Loreto, a girls only school. Another secondary school, Ardgillen community college, opened last September, with the intention of catering for 2,000 pupils at full capacity. It had been anticipated that Balbriggan community college would also be upgraded to a 1,000 pupil school and that, together with Ardgillen community college, would meet the future growth needs of Balbriggan. However, following the downturn in the public finances, the expansion of Balbriggan community college was put on hold. It has an enrolment of 590 pupils and a total of 70 teaching and non-teaching staff. In the evenings the school is used by members of the general public who attend a wide range of evening classes.
It has been identified that the roof of the school and of the separate gym building were constructed with asbestos sheeting. Asbestos fibres can be dangerous if inhaled as dust and are known to contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma — cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity. As a result, the school has been included in the asbestos management programme of the Department of Education and Science. The Office of Public Works was charged with the task of solving the problem on behalf of the Department. The project to rectify the problem by means of a properly managed roof replacement has been taken to advanced design stage by the OPW.
The roof is leaking in many places and a small section of asbestos sheeting has fallen from the roof of the PE hall. No repairs can be carried out without disturbing the asbestos sheeting. Asbestos can present a low risk if left alone but this is no longer possible because of the leaks in the roof. It is critical that the work be carried out as soon as possible as the leaks cannot be allowed to continue.
There is unconfirmed local speculation that large projects such as that at Balbriggan community college have been taken back from the OPW for the Department to manage. I am not sure if this is the case and ask the Minister of State to confirm if it is. However, there is a lack of information which I am attempting to address by raising the matter tonight. This lack of information is resulting in concern and uncertainty within the school and getting in the way of planning for the future. I ask the Minister for Education and Science to immediately release funding for this project and clearly outline the timeframe for the removal of the asbestos. The problem presents a serious health and safety risk to pupils, staff and members of the general public who use the school out of hours. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.