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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Feb 1994

Vol. 439 No. 4

Adjournment Debate - County Monaghan Schools.

I thank the Chair for allowing me to raise this matter. My question relates to the up-to-date position regarding the provision of additional accommodation and facilities at two vocational education committee schools, Inver College, Carrickmacross and Ard Scoil Lorgan, Castleblaney. The Minister gave an allocation to the three second level schools in the county which was greatly appreciated. However, it created extra pressure on the other two schools.

There are approximately 350 pupils in Castleblaney and 500 pupils in Carrickmacross. Representations have been made since the early 1980s for major extensions to both schools. Substantial expenditure had been incurred and the planning process was well advanced. It now appears that they have to begin the planning process again. From information ascertained through parliamentary questions and debate it seems that there is a lower expenditure per capita in Monaghan than in other counties.

Prefabricated buildings have been provided. In Carrickmacross there are 14 prefabs. In general, such buildings have a short lifespan and are unsuitable. Policy in the Department should lean more towards permanent structures. There is an increased demand for vocational education and rightly so.

In Castleblayney discussion centred on whether to develop the school further because it is sited on the edge of a national primary route or to build on a new site. The junior metal room is urgently in need of replacement. In the 1989-93 National Development Plan the North-Western sub-committee recommended that a second third level institution related to training needs be provided in the Cavan-Monaghan area. I hope this will become a reality. There is a great tradition in furniture manufacturing, textiles, footwear and in the food industry and scope for the vocational school to conduct classes in those areas.

The County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee has been extremely successful in availing of money under different headings, for example, the IFI. There is a very good administrative and teaching structure with an active chief executive officer who is noted for his initiative and enterprise. With very little funding he and his committee developed an outdoor educational centre. It has proved a great facility for both primary and secondary schools and is heavily booked for day and residential accommodation until next August. There are many bookings from Northern Ireland. They have a running track at Beach Hill which is nearing completion but an additional £40,000 is required to complete it. The entire project cost £160,000. They established a business study group and adult education in a vacant health board premises. They are innovative and enterprising.

The Minister should facilitate the committee by allowing the two projects to commence. I know she may not think it a great way of thanking her for the substantial funding we have received to ask for more now, but I urge her to ensure that the two schools get the additional facilities they urgently require.

On behalf of the Minister for Education I wish to thank Deputy Leonard for raising this important question relating to the provision of additional accommodation and facilities at two vocational schools in County Monaghan, namely, Inver College, Carrickmacross and Ard Scoil Lorgan, Castleblayney.

The background to both these schools is similar. Architectural planning for an extension to each school was under way in the late 1980s. However, at that time, in common with all major building proposals, it became necessary to review the project in the light of changing demographic trends throughout the country. The Deputy will appreciate that all building programmes need to be critically examined to ensure that the need for the proposed buildings is fully justified by long term projections of pupil numbers. This is particularly important in centres where two or more post-primary schools are in operation.

In the cases of Carrickmacross and Castleblayney, lengthy discussions took place between officials of the planning building unit of the Department of Education and the local authorities on the question of rationalisation of facilities at both centres. Despite protracted negotiations, no agreement was reached at local level and it is accepted that rationalisation is not an option which can be pursued at present. In view of this, the question of additional accommodation for Inver College and Ard Scoil Lorgan is being examined as a matter of urgency.

In the case of Inver College, Carrickmacross an educational worksheet has been completed by the school authorities. An overall schedule of future accommodation needs of the school was discussed at a meeting this week between officials from the Department of Education and County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee. This is to be followed up immediately by a visit to the site by a senior inspector and a senior architect from the Department's planning and building unit to assess the existing accommodation and decide any additional accommodation needs of the school.

Discussions also took place at the meeting this week on the accommodation requirements of Ard Scoil Lorgan, Castleblayney. Again, a schedule of accommodation for the school will be prepared taking into account the existing buildings and the need for additional accommodation, in particular specialist rooms for junior metalwork and construction studies.

When accommodation requirements have been agreed with County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee, it is hoped to commence architectural planning in both instances. The question of proceeding to construction will depend on the availability of capital funding when the planning process is complete.

The Dáil adjourned at 5.25 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 1 March 1994.

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