asked the Minister for Education the present position of plans for the provision of the new post-primary school for Ballincollig, County Cork; and when he expects the school to be ready for occupation.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Schools.
62.
It is proposed to provide a community school in Ballincollig to cater for the second level education needs of the area. The matter of a decision in regard to the most suitable site for the school is at present receiving attention and will be expedited as much as possible.
When will a decision be reached in relation to the site mentioned?
There has been a decision to establish a community school. A target date has been set by which the school will be ready for occupation.
What is the date?
September, 1976. The Department is well aware of the urgency in developing educational facilities in the Ballincollig area because of the expanding population there.
63.
asked the Minister for Education the present position concerning the proposed new post-primary schools for Castletownbere, County Cork.
It is proposed to replace the two existing second level schools in Castletownbere with a new community school. Negotiations are proceeding regarding the purchase of a site for this new school.
64.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the future of Kilcorney National School, County Cork.
Kilcorney national school which is over 100 years old was recommended for replacement about ten years ago. There are some 50 pupils enrolled in the school at present and this number is likely to decline in the years ahead. It would not, therefore, be feasible to consider the question of replacing the school by a new two-teacher school which would be obsolete in terms of educational requirements in a relatively short period of years. Neither would it be possible to justify any State expenditure on carrying out a scheme of improvements at the school.
I am satisfied that the educational interests of the pupils would best be served by an amalgamation with the three-teacher school in Lyre. A scheme of extension is at present proceeding at Lyre. Provision is being made in the extension for the Kilcorney pupils.
65.
asked the Minister for Education if he has sanctioned a grant to carry out repairs to Renaniree national school, County Cork; and if he has received a report on the condition of the school which is in bad repair.
I understand from the Commissioners of Public Works that a report on improvement works required to keep Renaniree national school in serviceable condition will be available very shortly.
On receipt of the report, my Department will consider the question of sanction for a grant towards the cost of the works.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in a previous reply by the Minister I was told that he did not think any repairs were needed and he had asked some inspectors to carry out an inspection there? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that repairs are urgently required? The windows are broken and there is a broken door under which children in low infants can crawl. This is in a Gaeltacht area and surely these children are entitled to something better than this.
I assume the Office of Public Works would not have been asked to furnish a report if improvement works were not thought necessary.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary take up with those responsible the urgent provision of a new door and putting of glass in the windows?
I shall have the Deputy's feelings in the matter conveyed to the proper authority.
The door is broken and the infants can crawl underneath it. This is a disgrace. If it were Dún Chaoin it would, of course, be different.