Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Adjournment Debate. - Letterfrack (Galway) School.

Mr. Molloy

I thank the Minister for taking this matter on behalf of his colleague, the Minister for Education. I am sure most Members are familiar with Letterfrack which is located in Connemara on the western coast of County Galway. In summer it is a stunningly beautiful place but in winter it is wet and windy. The 92 pupils who travel from different corners to attend the school at Letterfrack are entitled to comfortable accommodation but, unfortunately, that is not the case. There are five teachers in Letterfrack national school and only three classrooms. The temporary facilities there have been deemed by the school authorities to be in contravention of health and safety regulations — that is a quotation from the principal of the school. I am sure the Minister will agree this is most unsatisfactory.

The school board submitted plans to the Department of Education for an extension to the school. On behalf of teachers, parents and particularly the children attending the school, I appeal for approval to be given immediately for the plans and that work is authorised to commence this year to ensure it is completed for the new school year commencing next September. I am sure I have the full support and sympathy of the Minister in this matter. I hope that in reply he will indicate that provision will be made in the current year for the extension to Letterfrack national school.

Mr. Noonan

(Limerick East): I am glad, on behalf of the Minister for Education, to have the opportunity afforded me by Deputy Molloy to outline the present position on the application submitted on behalf of the board of management for a grant for additional accommodation at Letterfrack national school. First I wish to outline the position in regard to the school's present enrolment, teaching staff and accommodation.The school currently has 93 pupils with a teaching staff of four plus one part time remedial teacher. The school's accommodation consists of three permanent classrooms, a principal's office and toilets. A cloakroom has been converted to accommodate a class teacher and the shared remedial teacher.

The question of additional accommodation has been under consideration. However, this consideration must have regard to the long term indicators of enrolment. In this regard, a projection of the school's enrolment trends carried out by the Department shows that the school will not retain the third assistant teacher beyond 1996, so the need for the additional accommodation in this school is likely to be temporary.

In the circumstances it is not possible for the Department to accede to the application for grant aid for the provision of permanent additional classroom space at the school. However, as indicated, the Department is mindful of the considerable pressure on space in the school at present and is considering other options to alleviate the temporary overcrowding, including grant aiding the provision of temporary accommodation.

The primary buildings branch of the Department of Education expects to be in a position to make a decision in the matter very shortly and will communicate its decision to the chairman of the board of management.

Mr. Molloy

That is not very satisfactory.There is no general purpose classroom in the school.