Milford national school building
Deputy Mac Lochlainn described poor facilities at Scoil Mhuire National School in Milford and called for a new building. The Tánaiste said he would speak to the Education Minister and noted that a free site had already been provided.
I raise the issue of Scoil Mhuire National School at Milford, County Donegal. That school is providing a tremendous education but the facilities there are appalling. They date from decades ago, including the toilet facilities and cramped classrooms. A storage area had to be converted into a classroom last year. This became a huge issue before the election. Our then local Minister, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, confirmed that an inspection was taking place, which he expected to lead to the provision of a new school. A fully serviced site with control points has been provided free of charge at Milford. It is a perfect location, with no cost to the State in that regard. It has all been done. We just need confirmation of a new school. Will the Tánaiste talk to his colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and please come through? If the Tánaiste were to visit the school, he would see a new school is desperately needed - not a building here or there but a new school. The current location is very dangerous as regards traffic. There is a whole range of issues. It is a perfect storm. A new school is needed.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I recall him raising it in the House previously. I know it is an important issue for his constituents in Milford. I will certainly talk to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, about the delivery of that new school building for Scoil Mhuire. I welcome the fact that a site has been provided free of charge. There is an eagerness to progress this. I will ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to come back to the Deputy directly.