asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the playground in the national school at Pollough, Tullamore, County Offaly, is much too small for a school with an average of 110 to 120 pupils on its roll and that a suitable site for a new playground is available near the school; and, if so, if he will have a grant made available for the purchase and fencing of the site in question for use as a playground.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Offaly School.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that additional accommodation in the national school at Pollough, Tullamore, County Offaly, is urgently required, particularly since the appointment of a third teacher; and, if so, if he will have the additional accommodation applied for made available as a matter of urgency in view of the unsatisfactory conditions under which teachers and pupils have to work at present.
With the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle I propose to answer Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.
I am not aware that the existing playground at Pollough National School is inadequate or that a plot of land is available near the school for the purpose of providing additional playground space. I am having investigations made in the matter.
I may say, for the information of the Deputy, that it is not open to my Department to allow grants towards the costs of purchasing additional plots of ground in connection with national schools. The acquisition of additional plots is a matter for the managers concerned. Grants may be made towards the cost of enclosing additional plots, when necessary, provided that the plots are regarded as suitable and that they are vested by official leases to which the Minister for Education is a party.
I am aware that additional accommodation is required at Pollough National School. The matter is under active consideration and in view of its urgency will receive every possible attention.