Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. Like other Senators, I find it disappointing that the Minister for Education is not here today but I know discussions are taking place. Nonetheless, I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, in regard to my Commencement matter on Meán Scoil Mhuire, given he knows the area and he knows Longford very well. This is an issue I have raised on six or seven occasions since I was elected and it was a priority for me to work on this. I have raised it on the Order of Business, put forward parliamentary questions and spoken directly with the Minister but, unfortunately, it is very difficult to get a reply on to this issue. Other public representatives in my area of Longford have made promises of sites without even discussing it with the people who own the sites.

The issue concerns Meán Scoil Mhuire, which is a school with over 600 pupils based in the old convent in Longford town, where 40-year-old to 50-year-old cabins are being used by the school for pupils. These are not fit for purpose and the only play area for a school of that size is one basketball court because the indoor sports facilities are being used as a classroom. While the Department put in place funding about 18 months ago to rent the former Turners Printing building, which is located across from the school, to take in new classes, the school, the principal and the parents need certainty going forward with regard to a new school.

The reality is that where it is located is not fit for purpose for a school population of that size. If not for the fact a large number of pupils leave Longford town to go to schools in outlying areas, whether at Moyne or Ballymahon, the schools in the town would not be able to cope with the numbers. I live in Ballinalee, which is located halfway between Granard and Longford. Years back, a significant number would go from where I live to Longford town but many now go back towards the school in Granard. We need certainty with regard to a new school, particularly for the students and parents.

Longford County Council recently purchased a 14-acre site neighbouring the Mall complex for projects for the community and for Longford. It has put forward that it would be willing to sell an area of ground on that site to the Department in order to build a school for Meán Scoil Mhuire. I am looking for an update. I know there have been some negotiations with the Department and with Longford County Council in that regard. I am looking for a commitment for the teachers, the parents and the students that this deal will be sorted out very shortly.I also seek a commitment that a new school for Meán Scoil Mhuire in Longford will be on the capital plan, that funding will be put in place and that work on the project will start in the very near future.