asked the Minister for Education whether he has any finalised plan for a community school in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, or any alternative arrangement for the co-ordination of post-primary education facilities there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Schools.
73.
Mr. R. Burke
I am not yet in a position to announce any definite plans for the future organisation of second-level education in Ballyshannon. I recently met representatives of the County Donegal VEC to discuss the matter with them and discussions with the other school authorities will take place shortly.
Does the Minister agree that there is little opposition and that co-operation will be forthcoming?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware of that.
In view of the fact that there is no obstacle, can the Minister be more explicit?
Mr. R. Burke
I have said that we are going to enter into discussion with the other school authorities.
Can I take it that this is on foot of the arrangements arrived at with the recent deputation from the vocational education committee?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy may take that as being correct.
74.
asked the Minister for Education whether he has any plans to provide for extra classrooms for Ballyshannon Vocational School, County Donegal.
Mr. R. Burke
Following consideration of proposals put before me for short term relief of accommodation problems, sanction is being given for the supply of two prefabricated classrooms and the adaptation of certain existing accommodation to cater for building construction and to provide a storeroom. The question of acquiring a small plot of additional land adjoining the school will be considered if necessary in connection with planning requirements and specifications.
In so far as concerns definite plans for the future organisation of second-level education in the town. I desire to say that this matter will have my careful consideration following the recent meeting which I had with representatives of the County Donegal VEC, and the discussions which I propose to have in the near future with the other school authorities.
75.
asked the Minister for Education if he will indicate the proposals for a central school at Saint Mura's, Tooban, Burn-foot, County Donegal; and the progress to date in the matter.
Mr. R. Burke
A suitable site has been offered for the proposed new school at St. Mura's, Tooban, Burn-foot, County Donegal and sketch plans have been prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works.
A grant towards the cost of the new school will be sanctioned when satisfactory evidence of title to the site has been furnished and the amount of the local contribution has been decided.