Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

It is a national disgrace that a new school, which was promised for Springdale national school in Raheny, does not even appear on the school building list for 2008. Springdale is just one school of many that are in dire need of refurbishment. Teachers and students have to operate in what can only be described as Third World conditions. The walls are damp and mouse traps have to be set every night. The roof on the infants' classroom leaks whenever it rains. There is insufficient space available. The principal has to use her car as an office. The school has no gym hall or staff room. The secretary has to conduct business at the back of a classroom. The plight of Springdale national school was highlighted recently in an article in The Sunday Tribune. It is unacceptable that a school should have to operate in these dire conditions.

The school has been trying since 1997 to acquire a new building. In July 1999, a formal application was made by the school to the Department of Education and Science. In March 2001, the Department confirmed the project would be sanctioned. In February 2003, the school was described as "sub standard" following a school general inspection. In May 2005, the school was advised that the building project was being assessed as a priority project. In March 2006, the school board met with the building unit at stage three of the building process and the school was informed that the money was still available.

In June 2007, the school board was advised that the project must be started no later than February 2008. In June 2007 the planning permission was granted. In November 2007, the school was contacted by the Department and told to await further written approval before proceeding. In December 2007, following numerous calls, the principal was told to wait until after the budget, when the Minister would "make an announcement in her own good time". In February 2008, a list of projects was announced and Springdale national school was not included in this list. The school received planning permission for a new school building in June 2007 and was hoping to put it to tender, but instead its board of management was told by the Department to wait.

I submitted a parliamentary question seeking clarification on when the school would be built. I am still awaiting a response. I hope the Minister can respond tonight.

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