Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 1

Written Answers. - Leixlip (Kildare) College.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the fact that (a) 75 per cent of the accommodation at Confey College, Leixlip, County Kildare, consists of prefabricated temporary structures, (b) statutory health, fire and safety at work regulations cannot be met in these conditions and (c) the expected enrolment in September 1992 will be 453; if his attention has further been drawn to the intense local disappointment that the project to provide extra permanent classrooms has not been advertised for tender from the proceeds of the 1992 Estimates; if he will outline the way in which he intends to address the issues involved before September 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The planning of the new facilities to replace prefabricated accommodation at Confey College is nearing completion but I am not in a position at this stage to say when construction will commence. Every effort will be made, within the resources available, to include this project among those for which tenders may be sought in 1992.

My Department would be prepared to consider proposals from the vocational education committee regarding any short-term measures required to meet the school's immediate needs.

The statutory requirements referred to by the Deputy are a matter in the first instance for the school authorities, i.e. County Kildare Vocational Education Committee.