asked the Minister for Education when his Department intends to have the new No. 2 national school in Roscrea, County Tipperary erected to facilitate pupils in Roscrea, Shinrone and Borris-in-Ossory and in the surrounding districts; if this school is on the priority list; and when it is expected that work on it will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary School.
30.
A grant for the erection of the new No. 2 national school at Roscrea was sanctioned on the 8th February, 1971. Due to the very large volume of school building projects already on hands, it will not be possible to commence work in the current financial year.
However, I am hopeful that the scheme will proceed in 1972-73.
Would the Minister tell the House just what the situation is in regard to this No. 2 national school at Roscrea? Would he state the circumstances under which these pupils are having their education at the present time and whether they are being educated in one building?
The Deputy must be aware that there is a very large programme of primary school building going on at the present time. I must have my priorities. The grant was sanctioned for this particular school but because of the very large volume of school building it will not be possible to commence work in the current financial year.
If the grant was sanctioned on the 8th February, 1971, what is the reason for the delay?
As I have already explained, more money is being spent now on primary schools than ever before. I have explained that there is such a large volume of work going on at the present time and even with such a large amount of money being made available it is not possible to go ahead with this particular school until 1972-3.
(Interruptions.)
If the grant was sanctioned why have we this delay?
The Deputy asked that before.