asked the Minister for Education if he will take immediate steps to remedy the severe lack of facilities at St. Paul's school, Lisduggan, Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
32.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford School Facilities.
31.
asked the Minister for Education the intake of pupils into St. Paul's National School, Lisduggan, Waterford city, for the year 1973-74 and the expected intake for each of the seven years to 1980-81; and if he will indicate the proposed primary school building programme for this school to cope with the rapidly growing school-going population of the area.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
A new six-classroom extension has been occupied within the last few weeks at St. Paul's National School, Lisduggan. There is now accommodation in the extended school for 650 pupils. The average number of pupils on rolls for the quarter ended 31st December, 1973, was 620.
Plans have been approved by my Department and are with the Office of Public Works for a further six-classroom block. When this extension is completed, there will be accommodation in the school for 1,000 to 1,100 pupils.
The intake of pupils for the school year 1973-74 is estimated at 110. Projections made indicate that the enrolment figure will reach 950 in 1976-77 and that there will be an average intake of about 100 pupils for each of the succeeding years to 1980-81. The need for further accommodation will be kept under review.
Could the Minister indicate what recreational facilities will be available to accommodate the substantial increase in the number of pupils?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not in a position at present to indicate that but if the Deputy asks me a specific question I shall be delighted to reply to it.
33.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the steps taken to provide as a matter of urgency a community school at Lisduggan, Waterford city.
Mr. R. Burke
The site suggested for the proposed community school at Lisduggan, Waterford city, is some distance from the housing development in the area and efforts are being made to secure a site more conveniently situated. The matter will be expedited as much as possible.
Is the Minister aware of the immense growth of the population in this area and the importance of ensuring proper planning and a forward building programme to ensure that there will be no bottle-neck in the area? The Minister must be already aware that there is an urgent need for an extension to the Presentation Convent in that area and there is also the question that the immediate erection of a boys or a community school in the area must take priority in relation to the actual building of the school?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware of the need for accommodation because of the projected 3,000 houses in the area. The problem with the community school is that the site originally suggested was situated about three-quarters of a mile away from the centre of the existing housing estate and on the far side of the housing development due for completion in 1980. When these site problems have been cleared up, as I hope they will be very shortly, we shall be ready to go ahead.