asked the Minister for Education if, in relation to Firies national school, County Kerry, he is aware of the dangerous, unhealthy and overcrowded conditions in the prefabricated units which were purchased 15 years ago, and are still attached to this six teacher school catering for 190 pupils; the plans he has to resolve these serious problems during 1986; and when he anticipates that work will commence on the proposed new schools in Firies, indicating when planning permission will be sought.
Written Answers. - Kerry School.
262.
My Department in 1984 sanctioned substantial grants towards the cost of repairing existing and the provision of additional prefabricated accomodation at Firies national school, County Kerry. It has not been represented to my Department that conditions are dangerous, unhealthy and overcrowded in the prefabricated units, but I am nevertheless arranging to have my Department's professional officers inspect the units and report on the matter.
A site for a new school offered by the school authorities was recently reported by my Department's professional officers to be suitable, and a brief for the permanent accommodation to be provided is now being considered and will be formulated having regard to the enrolment trends at the school. The outcome will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as possible. Meanwhile I am not in a position at this stage to say when work on the new school project may commence.