Vol. 492 No. 7
339 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to sanction the commencement of Rockfield national school, Coolaney, County Sligo; the commencement date of the project; the timescale involved; the amount of funds allocated; the procedure, if any, the community must undertake to ensure that this building proceeds as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14894/98]
I recently authorised my Department's planning and building unit to commence the planning process for a major capital project at Rockfield national school, Coolaney, County Sligo.
340 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kerry; the scale of the proposed new school; and the consequences, if any, envisaged for adjoining schools. [14895/98]
There are four primary schools in the area of Kerry referred to by the Deputy. It is accepted by my Department that, due to the poor state of repair of the all-boys school, it has become necessary to replace it. The existing site is unsuitable for a new modern building because of its size, topography and poor drainage facilities.
Strenuous efforts were made locally to acquire an alternative suitable site close to the existing school building, but this has not been possible. Twenty two different approaches were made before a site was finally identified. However, this site is located appromately 1.5 miles distant from the existing boys school and quite close to another primary school in the parish. The close proximity of the proposed site to the latter school is a cause for concern.
Officials from the planning section of my Department met with the chairpersons and principals of the four schools on 11 June last to discuss the issues involved. It was agreed that the boards of management and parents of the respective schools would be consulted locally on the possibility of providing one central school on the proposed new site. The results of these consultations are awaited before proceeding any further in this matter.
