Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise the matter of the building of a new school at St. Nicholas's primary school, Adare, County Limerick.

I recently attended the official opening and blessing of a new extension to Scoil Seán tSraide in Adare. It was a joyful occasion, with the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, officially opening the extension. A few miles down the road, he would have encountered a completely different educational environment for the pupils attending St. Nicholas's primary school.

In July 1999, the former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Martin, visited the school after an invitation from the board of management. Following the inspection by the Minister and his officials, it was agreed that it was not practical to carry out works on the existing school. He stated, more than three years ago, that a new school would be built. The board then acquired the adjoining land as agreed by the Minister and his officials.

The existing school is part of the Augustinian abbey, which is listed as an historic building and is over 600 years old. The walls are damp and subject to fungal growth. It is not possible for the windows to be opened and this results in poor ventilation. This type of environment is unhealthy and contributes to the incidence of asthma in the pupils. The tiled hall is damp and slippery and, therefore, dangerous. As a result of leaks in the skylights, the pupils get wet. The heating system is unsatisfactory and the toilet facilities are insufficient for a school with more than 70 pupils. The staff members must use the same toilets as the children. There is no staff room, staff toilet or office and no room where parents can meet the teachers. Access to classrooms consists of 20 steps, which are dangerous and slippery in wet weather. Infant classes are held in a portakabin, which is separated from the rest of the school.

As this school is part of a heritage site, it attracts many visitors, particularly from April to October. These people have access to areas which are restricted to pupils and often distract pupils in their studies. The school is close to the river Maigue and rat poison must be set at regular intervals. The present sewerage system is old and has ongoing problems, especially in wet weather. As the Minister of State may conclude from what I have said, there is an urgent need for a new school.