asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether a site has yet been acquired for a new school at Laghey, County Donegal, and, if so, the location of the site in relation to the village and when tenders will be invited for the erection of the school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal: New School.
Various sites have been under consideration for a new school to replace the present national school at Laghey, County Donegal, and investigations are still proceeding as to which would be the most suitable site obtainable. I am hoping that my Department will be able to arrive at a decision in the matter at an early date.
I am unable to say at present when tenders for the erection of a new school will be invited.
Will the Minister take into consideration the importance of having the site as near as possible to the village?
That is just one of the difficulties involved in this matter. I am very anxious that there would be a site near the village and as far as things go at the moment I am assured the only suitable site is one and a quarter miles away from the village. It has also been pointed out to me that the people of the village generally are in favour of this site. The Deputy can take it that the matter is under the most careful consideration. The difficulties in finding a site such as the Deputy suggests are very great.
I think the Minister may not be aware that the consensus of opinion is that the site should be as near as possible to the village. This is one and a half miles away and is too far for children.
I am quite aware that the consensus of opinion is in favour of a site near the village. I am also aware that it has been represented to me that the consensus of opinion is this site is the only suitable site and that it is one and a quarter miles away from the village. The Deputy can be assured that the matter will be very carefully considered before the final decision is taken and I shall be very grateful for any assistance in finding a suitable site nearer the village.