Vol. 545 No. 1
337 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of an extension to Castleblayney college, County Monaghan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this building is in bad repair and that children's lives are at risk; when money will be available for the extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29787/01]
Officials in my Department are consulting with the County Monaghan Vocational Educational Committee with a view towards determining the accommodation requirements at Castleblayney college. My Department is aware of the condition of the old building and, to that end, a previous extension was built on the main campus to remove the necessity to use that building. A subsequent increase in enrolments by the school, however, has meant that this building has continued to be occupied. A senior inspector will visit the school shortly to finalise the accommodation to be provided in the form of a further extension, and to identify the school's short-term requirements. After he has done so, architectural planning of the new extension may commence.
In relation to the matter of student safety when crossing the main road, this is a supervisory issue for the school authorities in the first instance. The Department has advised County Monaghan VEC to liaise with the Garda Síochána and the local authority with a view towards devising a plan which will minimise any risk to the safety of the student population.
