asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position regarding the proposed new vocational school for Stranorlar, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Stranorlar (Donegal) Vocational School.
137.
Mr. Coughlan
My Department have already approved the provision of a new vocational school building for 325 pupils, the current cost of which would amount to £1.6 million approximately. However, the project, like all projects in the course of planning, is being reviewed by my Department in the context of the commitment set out in paragraph 5.12 of the Programme for Action in Education 1985-1987 which states:
...Each building project in course of planning...will be examined in the context of postprimary school resources generally in the catchment area to determine the practicability of integration or, alternatively, co-ordination of facilities...
This examination, which involves consultation and discussions with local school authorities, must take into account the existing post-primary school situation in the centre and the future provision to be made for pupils in the area.
My Department expect to complete this examination shortly. Pending the outcome, I am not in a position to provide details of the future progress of the vocational school project.