Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for allowing me to raise this important matter, that financial assistance be made available to Kilmactranny national school which is in urgent need of funding for structural improvements and also that extensive works be carried out on the school grounds which are in a deplorable condition. To verify this case I had photographs taken, which clearly illustrate the position, which I shall give to the Minister following this debate.
The following list outlines a number of shortcomings to Kilmactranny school building and its surrounding play area. The prefabricated building used by the senior classes does not comply with fire regulations as it has only one entrance-exit; the building is limited in space for even a small group of children at any one time; one window is in need of replacement, as the photograph will illustrate, while others need maintenance; the junior classroom in the main school building is cramped and needs to be extended further into the adjacent room. This room is also used by the visiting remedial teacher and serves as a cramped lunch room on wet days. The wainscoting on the walls is decayed and needs to be removed and a plastered wall put in place. The application for funding for this school has been with the Department for the past 18 months.
A number of windows leak and all the windows need maintenance to protect them from weathering. The outside play area is inadequate. It is very cramped and limited in area and the children are deprived of a chance to play games properly. The tarmac surface to the front of the school building has subsided in some areas and is very rough and uneven. Another small section has a concrete finish with numerous cracks which can cause chil dren to fall. The grassy area to the rear is waterlogged most of the year. This means that children must play in one overcrowded area.
The school is located at a crossroads and due to the limited play area available to children balls are constantly rolling into the road, posing a considerable threat to the children's safety and making supervision very difficult. The wire fencing surrounding the yard is in need of repair. Ideally, the school grounds should be extended to provide a play area. This is a two teacher school with up to 40 children. I appeal to the Minister to act on the proposals which have been submitted to his Department.
The lunch room area which is also used by the remedial teacher is infested with mice and rats. It is difficult to believe that such conditions can exist in the new millennium. I may not show photographs in the House but I will give the Minister photographs for his inspection. When he sees these photographs it will be unnecessary for me to say any more. I was shocked by my visit to the school. The concern of the parents is immense and the teachers are thoroughly dedicated. However, the school is totally inadequate. The children can hardly use the playground which has a 30 degree slope. These conditions would have been more appropriate to a school of the early 19th century.
I am confident that the Minister will react favourably to this case. In view of the Minister's commitment to education and the Government's investment in it, I am sure the Minister will respond positively to the Kilmactranny school application. This issue is of major concern to parents, teachers and everyone in the Kilmactranny area.
