asked the Minister for Education the total cost of the reconstruction of the training college for male national teachers; when work commenced; if he will give full details of the work involved; and when it is expected that the work will be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction of Teachers' Training College.
68.
The total cost of the building and reconstruction scheme at St. Patrick's Training College, Drumcondra for male national teachers is estimated at £1,500,000.
Work commenced in 1962 and it is expected to be completed by 1968.
The work involved: (a) Provision of dormitory, study and common room accommodation for 300 students; (b) conversion and adaptation of the existing buildings with enlarged refectory, kitchen, etc., suitable staff quarters and store-room. This conversion work will include provision for Science and Language Laboratories, Staff Rooms and an Educational Research Unit; (c) provision of a Laboratory Unit for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and Special Class Rooms for Art, Drawing, Geography, Woodwork and Music; (d) provision of Assembly Hall and Gymnasium with suitable equipment; (e) building of a new Chapel and conversion of existing Chapel into Library; (f) provision of an Infirmary and ancillary facilities; (g) provision of suitable accommodation for resident staff.
May I take it (1) that it was reconstruction work that was done and (2) in the light of this, would it not have been easier to construct a new building, in view of the fact that the Coombe Hospital cost only £1 million and, as far as I could hear, this reconstruction work is costing £1½ million?
That is a separate question.
It is not, Sir.
It is mainly referred to as reconstruction, but, in fact, there are new buildings involved in it, and since a lot of the older buildings are, in fact, being used together with the newer building, I think we are getting more value this way than if we started from scratch.
Could the Minister say what is the average number of students?
Three hundred. There is provision for 300.