asked the Minister for Education if the Office of Public Works have condemned the roof of Clonbur national school; and if it is proposed to construct a new school on the site offered by the school manager.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - New National Schools.
24.
A report recently submitted by the Commissioners of Public Works on the feasibility of providing suitable accommodation at Clonbur National School, County Galway, as against the provision of a new school, is at present under consideration in my Department. A decision on the matter will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as possible.
Does the Minister accept that where the roof of a national school is in bad repair it cannot wait for deferred decisions but needs immediate action?
The commission's report indicates that the roof's timber and slates require replacement and that the roof is sagging. My information is that the roof should be replaced.
I would be very worried about a sagging roof on a national school. I ask the Minister to treat this matter as extremely urgent.
I would remind the Deputy of an earlier question she put to me. The Board of Works advise my Department in relation to any school where there is an application for improvements or extensions of any kind. I am not advised that this is a dangerous school but I am aware that a decision must be made on whether to replace the roof or have a new school. If it was decided to have a new school only interim repairs would be carried out on the existing school.
Do not wait until the roof falls in.
The Minister promised to give me some information. How soon can I expect it?
I give the Deputy an undertaking that I will have it for him within a week.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of the constant over-flying of Shannon Airport which is endangering the future of the airport.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the continuing educational difficulties at the College of Technology, Kevin Street.
I will communicate with the Deputy.