Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 8

Written Answers. - Reduction in Classroom Numbers.

John Connor

Ceist:

83 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Education the reason, in relation to the proposed new amalgamated second level school at Castlerea, County Roscommon, she proposes to alter the original plans to the effect of reducing the number of general classrooms from seven to three, the elimination of two project rooms, the home economics classroom, the library, the storeroom, the reduction of the audio typing and commercial room from the original proposed area of 147m2to 55m2, the cancellation of the gymnasium and games hall and the scrapping of the proposed computer room; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Firstly, I would like to assure the Deputy that the schedule of accommodation now proposed will be most adequate to cater for the post-primary needs of the Castlerea catchment.

In common with all other projects in my Department's second level building programme, the proposed new community school for Castlerea has been subject to critical review in the light of all relevant factors including the most up-to-date statistical data and demographic trends.

The review indicates that the long-term accommodation needs of the catchment area will be in the order of 500 pupil places. On that basis a reduction in the range of accommodation originally planned became necessary. The revised provision has been discussed with local school authorities and planning on the revised basis will proceed immediately.