andDr. FitzGerald asked the Minister for Education whether, in view of (a) the imminent closure of Coppanagh national school and the transfer of the pupils from that school to the national schools in Graiguenamanagh, (b) the proposed transfer of junior boy pupils from the Convent school in Graiguenamanagh to the boys' national school, and (c) the desire of parents whose pupils formerly attended Ullard national school to send their children to Graiguenamanagh, he is satisfied that the needs of Graiguenamanagh boys' national school will be satisfied by the addition of one prefabricated classroom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Graiguenamanagh (Kilkenny) School.
76.
The erection of one prefabricated classroom at Graiguenamanagh Boys' NS will be ample for the increased enrolment following the closure of Coppena NS. There is no question of providing extra accommodation to cater for children from the Ullard district. The needs of these children are catered for at Skeoghvostheen N.S.
77.
andDr. FitzGerald asked the Minister for Education whether he is satisfied that the site of Graiguenamanagh school is suitable for expansion of the school accommodation in view of the contours and the inadequacy of playground facilities which will be further reduced by the proposed school extension; and whether he will give consideration to the establishment of a new and adequate boys' school in a suitable site which is available.
I am advised that the site of Graiguenamanagh Boys' National School is such that it would not be possible to extend the existing building, and I have given instructions that the question of replacing the existing building by a new and larger school on a new site be examined.
The provision of a temporary prefabricated classroom is, however, a necessary interim arrangement to provide for the additional pupils to be accommodated at the school. While this room will encroach on the playspace on the school site, I understand that additional playspace will be made available in a field, which is parochial property, and adjoins the school site.