Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 7

Written Answers. - County Meath Schools.

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

265 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the older section of O'Carolan College, Nobber, County Meath, is in a grave state of disrepair, with dampness evident on the ceiling and external roof and gutter damage and that this building could be declared as being unsafe; and if so, if she will provide funding for an architectural/structural inspection with a view of determining the building's viability for future use and its structural safety. [21674/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There is no record of an application in my Department's building unit from the board of management of O'Carolan College, Nobber, County Meath, or from County Meath vocational education committee for an architecturalstructural inspection of the school, to determine the building's viability for future use.

Officials of my Department have contacted County Meath vocational education committee, and have requested them to submit the relevant documentation for consideration by my post-primary building unit.

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

266 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Education when the report in relation to the urgent roof repairs to Beaufort College, Navan, County Meath, will be made available. [21675/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A report was received from County Meath vocational education committee in respect of repair work required to the roof at Beaufort College, Navan, County Meath. Following consideration of the documentation by my Department's technical staff, it became clear that a more extensive examination of the roof was required.

Approval was granted to County Meath vocational education committee to employ a contrctor to carry out a more comprehensive examination of the roof. The Department is currently awaiting the submission of a report from the vocational education committee in relation to the contractor's findings. When this report has been obtained, the matter will be progressed further.

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

267 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Education whether the new classrooms included in phase two at St. Peter's College, Dunboyne, County Meath, will be available for use before 1 September 1997. [21676/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department's post-primary building unit is currently awaiting the submission of the stage four — detail design — documentation, in respect of this project. At this early stage it is not possible to determine when construction of the proposed phase two extension will commence.

However, I am aware of the urgent need for this accommodation, and every effort is being made to progress the architectural planning process so that the new building may proceed at the earliest opportunity.