asked the Minister for Education the present position with regard to the application of the Limerick Vocational Education Committee to carry out certain works in the former County Infirmary Buildings; what the proposals envisage, and when sanction may be expected; whether there has been any undue delay in approving of the proposals, and, if so, for what reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Vocational Education Committee's Proposals.
84.
The present position with regard to the conversion of the former Limerick County Infirmary and Nurses' Home for use as schools of Commerce, Music and Art under the City of Limerick Vocational Education Committee is:
(1) The property has been acquired by the Committee;
(2) I gave sanction to the Committee's proposal to undertake the work of reconstruction, at an estimated cost of £72,500, on 8th April, 1960;
(3) Sketch plans for the work in question were approved on 3rd September, 1960;
(4) Lay-out drawings for the various classrooms were approved on 20th December, 1960, and authority was given for the preparation of working drawings and specification, which must be submitted to my Department for approval;
(5) The working drawings and specification have not yet been received in my Department, but I understand that they are in course of preparation.
There has been no undue or avoidable delay on the part of my Department in dealing with this proposal at any of its stages or in issuing the various approvals. I am aware that unfounded and irresponsible charges of delay have been made publicly against my Department, and I have had to refute those charges elsewhere.
Sanction for the invitation of building tenders can be given only when the working drawings have been examined and found suitable. I cannot, of course, foretell whether these drawings and specification, when received, will be such that they can be approved without amendment, but they will be examined with all reasonable expedition.