Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 6

Adjournment Debate. - Bridgetown (Wexford) Vocational College.

Mr. H. Byrne

I thank the Chair for allowing me to raise this important issue. I am disappointed that the Minister for Education did not think it worth her while to attend, but maybe the news is good.

Bridgetown vocational college is probably one of the most successful second level colleges from both the academic and sporting viewpoints. The extra-curricular activities at this college have to be seen to be believed. Enrolment has increased unbelievably because academic achievement is so high. Bridgetown vocational college services south Wexford: Kilmore, Rathangan, Bannor, Lady's Island, Ballymore and Rosslare. The school was built 12 years ago for 450 pupils. Enrolment for September 1997 is expected to be 800. That is a fantastic success and the reason is that the teaching staff is brilliant and totally committed to all activities in school, academic and extra-curricular.

Because the school was built for 450 pupils and there are now 800 pupils, there are severe problems with classrooms. There is severe pressure on toilet facilities, staff rooms and specialised accommodation. A schedule of accommodation was agreed approximately two years ago by the Vocational Education Committee and the Department. I take this opportunity to commend the chief executive officer on his activity not only in this school but in others in the county where we have done fairly well. Our schools can compete with any others nationwide but I cannot say the same of Bridgetown Vocational School where we have not moved with the times. When that schedule of accommodation was agreed two years ago, because of past experiences we had justifiably anticipated we would be given the green light to appoint a design team and proceed with the building. Yet at a recent vocational education committee meeting — I am a member of County Wexford Vocational Education Committee — we were informed that this project is now on hold. Why is this so? The pupils, parents, teachers and staff of the vocational education committee have been very patient.

In Bridgetown there are 16 prefabricated classrooms which are not conducive to good education, being too cold in winter and too hot in summer. I ask the Minister of State whether that is fair for the pupils and teachers. Does he agree it is a disgrace that any such project be put in abeyance? The Government can contribute to the success of the schools in our county by acceding to our request.

Minister of State at the Department of the Marine (Mr. Gilmore)

I thank Deputy Hugh Byrne for raising this matter and affording me the opportunity to outline the current position in regard to the provision of an extension to Bridgetown Vocational School, County Wexford. The school is the sole provider of post-primary education in the catchment area. It opened in 1965 and a major extension was provided in 1984 to cater for a projected long-term enrolment of 500 pupils. A number of prefabricated classrooms on the school site was provided in recent years to accommodate the school's short-term requirements.

A schedule of overall accommodation to cater for a projected enrolment of 650 pupils has been agreed between the Department and County Wexford Vocational Education Committee. The schedule of residual accommodation of over 1000 square metres for the proposed extension to this school has also been agreed, comprising general classrooms, specialist rooms and general purpose accommodation.

I assure the Deputy the Minister for Education is fully aware of the need for additional accommodation at this school. The appointment of a design team for the architectural planning of the proposed extension is at present under consideration. Officials of the Department of Education will be in contact with County Wexford Vocational Education Committee as soon as a decision is taken on the matter.