Dáil debates

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

School Accommodation

4:30 pm

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Kilmurry McMahon National School was built 57 years ago, in 1966. It is one of the last remaining flat-roof schools in Ireland. As for the walls, there are concrete pillars between the classrooms and then PVC wall panels in between that are not insulated. On the day I visited, water was leaking into the room. Classrooms are being continually flooded and children have to reposition bags and wear coats throughout the winter months.

This school was created when Drumdigus and Tullycrine national schools amalgamated in 2014. As part of that amalgamation, the school inherited an old prefab. It now sits on site. It is supposed to be a special education teaching, SET, room but part of its roof is missing. I am very concerned because the principal and secretary double up their office space with a cleaning room. The staff room doubles up as a SET room. Enrolment is on the increase even though it is a very rural part of the county. I welcome there has been some movement on a modular building but I am extremely concerned about the state of the old building of bricks, mortar and PVC panels. It is simply not fit for purpose. I would love for the capital application to be looked at again.

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