Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I speak on behalf of St. Phelim's national school, Leiter, Bailieborough, County Cavan, the roll number for which has been provided with the motion.

St. Phelim's national school got a welcome new classroom and resource room under the devolved scheme in 2007, for which it was grant-aided, and additional funding in July 2007. In March 2008 the architects sent a letter to the board of management of the school which outlined further unseen emergency works needed to bring the building up to building regulation and health and safety standards, particularly, in relation to septic tank, waste water treatment and percolation area. The letter identified a number of items, three of which I will outline, but there are also serious health and safety issues.

There is a need to provide a new waste water treatment system and percolation area. The current septic tank is not large enough to cope with the capacity of the existing school and the new extension. It is quickly filling up and overflowing onto site and playground area in wet weather. For health and safety reasons, a new large waste water treatment system must be installed. There is currently no percolation area for the septic tank. When the tank overflows it pollutes surrounding ground water. A new percolation system also needs to be installed along with the new waste water treatment system. It is a shocking situation that needs immediate rectification.

There is a need to provide non-slip floor covering in existing toilets and to replace the existing urinal. The gravity of that matter does not need elaboration in terms of health and safety.

Another item on the list from the architect, who comes from a reputable firm of architects, seeks the replacement of sanitary ware. The existing sanitary urinals in the toilet are leaking and the sinks in classrooms, where new hot water taps need to be installed, will need to be replaced with new sanitary ware.

A number of other areas need to be dealt with. There is a need for double glazed external windows in all areas of the school, the existing flat roof is leaking and causing a problem, internal ceiling soffits on the flat roof need to be insulated, new electric hot water heaters need to be mounted properly, and fire compliance electrical works are needed. From a reputable firm of architects I present a critical list of the unavoidable extra improvements needed.

I acknowledge the provision of the new classroom and resource room. The critical list of improvements needed arises from a huge population bulge in that area, as a consequence of a migration from Dublin and a new developing population in that area. These are health and safety issues. I accept the bona fides of the Minister of State in these areas. However, I do not think the Minister of State, his officials or any of us have discretion on this issue. There is a compelling need for these improvements. I do not raise the matter lightly. I have been approached by the management of the school, concerned parents and the contractor on the job who said the school is not sustainable in its present form.