asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to commence the building of a new vocational school at Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Schools.
11.
At this early stage of planning which includes an overall review of post-primary accommodation generally in Cahir, County Tipperary, my Department are not in a position to say when construction of a new vocational school will be commenced.
The South Tipperary Vocational Education Committee got planning permission more than two years ago on 5 January 1982. Would the Minister not agree that there is great urgency about the problem in Cahir where 300 pupils are in a school built over 50 years ago for one-third of that number? They have 15 pre-fabs which are in very bad condition. There is gross overcrowding. What progress has been made in connection with the overall scheme for schools in Cahir? Everything was going ahead in regard to this project until about a month ago and the parents and teachers are very worried. How soon will the investigations be completed?
The vocational school is one of two big post-primary school projects which have been approved for Cahir. It is very desirable that, as indicated in the recently published Programme for Action in Education, both projects should be looked at again to ensure the maximum amount of co-ordination and integration in the provision and use of school facilities in the Cahir centre. I am aware that the provision of new accommodation is long awaited in Cahir and, for that reason, the review I have mentioned will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Can the Minister explain why the Department allowed the situation to develop to this point? And now we are having stalling. Up to a month ago the people and the vocational education committee were of the opinion that it was going ahead. Now it appears that there is a double think. Is this a delaying tactic to confuse the people and make no progress? Are these children to sit around for another two years before the Department make up their minds? Have plans been drawn up?
The Deputy should conclude.
Were plans drawn up for this school a month ago and have the Department changed their minds?
Two completely new school buildings are required. The future of the lay secondary school in Cahir is in doubt. The question of the rationalisation of the facilities must be considered. In effect, therefore, new accommodation will be required for the entire post-primary school population in Cahir if not immediately, within a very short time. For educational and cost effective reasons the attractions of a one school development are compelling. The costs of separate projects are estimated at £1.28 million for the vocational school and at least £1.34 million for the convent school. A single school for the entire pupil population including lay secondary would cost approximately £3 million. The whole area of second level education and accommodation for second level education is being looked at, at the moment. I accept the Deputy's concern about the urgency of the matter and I have given an assurance that this will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
12.
asked the Minister for Education when a new national school will be built at Duncannon, County Wexford; the reason for the inordinate delay, and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department recently sanctioned a supplemental grant for the new national school at Duncannon, County Wexford, to bring the overall grant into line with increases in the estimated costs of the project. I understand that meanwhile the Commissioners of Public Works had authorised the school authorities to seek planning permission and have been concerned at the stringency of the conditions under which permission has now been given. The commissioners are currently in touch with the school authorities about the matter. I am therefore unable to say at this stage when the new school will be built but I hope that the difficulties which have arisen in relation to planning permission can be speedily resolved.
A Cheann Comhairle, I should inform you that Deputy Byrne requested me to ask a question in his absence.
That is not necessary.
Does the Minister agree that the condition in these prefabs is worse than a settlement you would find on the side of the road anywhere? Does he agree that it is incumbent on his Department to use all the influence at their disposal to expedite the building of a new school?
I am not aware of the condition of the prefabs and I am not aware of the number of the prefabs. I am aware that the matter is urgent. Lengthy delays have occurred in relation to the projections for the future educational needs of the area. The first site to be acquired was found to be unsuitable. A second site was then presented to the Department and agreed on. There is a question about the title and there is a question about planning. These matters could be resolved locally. Stringent conditions are attached to the planning permission and the Office of Public Works have advised that it is necessary to give further consideration to those conditions. Many of the problems are local.